Windows 10: Procedure to use the retail product key for a hardware change.

Previously I used retail license key to a new laptop after uninstall it from old device by below command. slmgr /upkslmgr /cpkyslmgr /rearmRecently I can not use the license. old device is re-activating again after restart. Is there any right procedure to remove the license completely from old device and using it to a new device.

:)

 

procedure to move retail license to new hardware using digital licen

In post #4, I explained that.

Here... you copy the key shown in Installed Key.
Then click Check Edition
Then type the key you just copied into the Product Key box.
Then click Check.











As you can see, mine is a Retail key.


When you install Win 10 with Win 7 key, it CHANGES the key to a Win 10 key.

 

procedure to move retail license to new hardware using digital licen

Even if put that key showkey shows, it wont activate windows. I still have to follow the Brink procedure. So this extra step is not worth the effort. Win10 runs fine without activation, except for personalization. Whenever I have reinstalled windows, I just skip the key, then log in with my MS account. Only time I have ever used a key is for a first time 10 install, on hardware which has never seen win10. After that if you have a digital license inked to your account you can throw the key away, which is the way it should be, everything done online controlled by your account of activated pc's.

keys and discs and pieces of paper get lost and destroyed or stolen, so it is not very reliable, what has been proven robust so far is online accounts.

I even bought an old MB with CPU from ebay seller, prior owner had win10 pro running on it. All I did was install win10 pro, skip the key, login with my online account and it was activated with digital license to my account.

 

Product Key for Windows 10 is no longer active due to a hardware upgrade.

What kind of Product Key do you have? If it's full retail then you can move it to new hardware any time you want. If it won't activate then open the Contact Support app and ask for help. If it's retail OEM they may not do it because you changed Motherboard.

If this is the free Upgrade which doesn't have a Product Key the procedure is here for

Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change