Windows 10: Transferring a Windows License

Ok, my old Lenovo broke recently (motherboard issue I think) and I am planning on pulling out the HDD and slottinog it in to a new laptop once I purchase one. My question pertains to my windows license. I previously purchased Windows 8.1 and therfore own a license for it, which I upgraded to Windows 10 when the free upgrade came out.


From what I read online, it is possible to transfer a windows license from one laptop to another, provided it is only activated on one, meaning it first has to be uninstalled or removed from, in my case the broken laptop, and then added and activated on the new one. Unfortunately I cannot get on to my old laptop to format it or uninstall it.


However, when installing Windows on my new laptop, I can click "I don't have a licence" and then connect the new laptop to my Microsoft Account at a later date and dowload the license number from my account to activate Windows.


On my Microsoft profile at the moment, I have one laptop listed, which is the broken one. If I remove this device and therefore have no devices listed, once I have my new one, could I install Windows, click "I don't have a licence" and then log in to my account and add my new laptop, bringing me back to a total of one and transfer my license this way?


Thanks


Patrick

:)

 

Windows 10 license transfer

Thanks Andre.

i bought the license. My laptop was originally loaded with win 7 and was upgraded free couple of months.

in this case, if i understand you correctly, i can transfer with below steps. Right.?

let me buy my new laptop and try below.

and to my question do you have an update.

does OS upgrades if my activation key is changed.

thanks

sai

 

Windows 10 license transfer

If its a retail license, yes, you can transfer it. Learn more about transferring the license:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer

 

Windows 10 license transfer

There is no actual deactivation method.

You can only transfer the license if its a retail license. If it came with the laptop you can't transfer it.

You can first uninstall the key.

Open Start, type: cmd

Right click CMD

Click Run as administrator

At the command prompt, type:

slmgr -upk

Hit Enter

Next, proceed to upgrade the new laptop:

• How
  to Perform an Easy Upgrade in Windows 10

You might need to reactivate by chat support since the license was previously in use.

• Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

Learn more:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer