Windows 10: Old computer died, need to activate my win10 license in another computer - How do I do that?

I had windows 8 pro with media center, when windows 10 came out I upgraded to that. I have both license keys, but the computer has died. Can I download a new copy of windos 10 and use my old license keys? Do I need to remove the original device from my microsoft account in order to accomplish this?

:)

 

My License Won't Transfer? New Computer - Old One Died

Hi,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 3 year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

The next step is to contact support if the troubleshooter hasn't helped.

Activation depends on what type of license you have of Windows 7/8/10.

If Windows 7/8/10 came preinstalled with the computer, that is called an OEM license. For an OEM license, the license dies as soon as Motherboard dies. So essentially it is non-transferable. If that is the case you need to get a new license.

However, this is not same for retail licenses i.e. you purchased the license through Microsoft store. That does carry transfer rights. If that is the case, please see the below steps:

Run the activation troubleshooter on the new device using the below steps:

Go to Settings>Update and security>Activation and run the troubleshooter. and select I recently changed hardware on this device.

(Please note that Activation troubleshooter requires you to have digital license linked to Microsoft Account.)

If the troubleshooter hasn't helped,

Please use the contact us link here:

Contact Us - Microsoft Support

Type "talk to an agent" in the Virtual agent and choose Windows/ subcategory.

You would be presented with a link of options which are available for your country - call me back, Chat or call.

Additionally, country-wise phone numbers are given here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/405170...

Please let us know if you need any assistance.

 

Remove Key License from old Motherboard

• If your copy of Windows 10 is OEM( came preinstalled on the computer it can not be transferred. The License died with the old motherboard. If it is retail (bought from Microsoft store or another Retailer ) it can be transferred. If you still have issues
  I would contact Microsoft support and they will help activate.

 

Upgrade Windows 10 Family to Pro with license from old computer

You could try:

1. Disconnect the computer from all sources of internet.
2. On the Windows Activation Screen in Settings, change the product key to Windows 10 Pro generic key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.
3. After it upgrades to Pro, reconnect to the internet.
4. Then try the activation troubleshooter to transfer license from old computer.

There is absolutely no guarantee step 4 will work and be WARNED, once you upgrade to Pro it will be very difficult to downgrade back to Home version.