Windows 10: Transferring windows license linked to account from one pc to another

I'm trying to take the windows key from my old computer and put it on my new one, but it says the key is linked to my account. Would I simply have to remove the old pc as a device on my account and it should automatically activate windows on the new computer?Or would I have to locate the key then uninstall it from the original computer to use on the new one?Both computers have Windows 10 pro installed, latest update, so there should be no issues with the key being incompatible, although I'm unsure if I could find the key on the old computer as it's a refurbished Thinkpad but doesn't have a sti

:)

 

Multiple questions about installing - transfer accounts etc.

According to you, the accounts were Windows built-in admin, a local admin and standard user. None of them needs to be moved.

The built-in admin account, as the name says, will be there when you boot the laptop first time. It is disabled by default, you just need to enable it. For two other accounts, simply create same accounts on laptop.

Attach the HDD to laptop using an external USB enclosure, copy contents of data folders to respective folders on laptop.

You mentioned that the desktop accounts were / are local accounts, not Microsoft accounts. See the options to get Pro here:

• Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro

If you can still access Windows on desktop, boot it up, make it a Microsoft account and link license to that MS account. Tutorials:

• Switch to Microsoft Account in Windows 10
• Link Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Digital License

When done, see this tutorial. It will show step by step what do on the laptop to transfer desktop license to it: Use Activation Troubleshooter in Windows 10

This article is the best I have seen about when a license transfer is possible, and when not:

• https://www.howtogeek.com/261053/whe...e-to-a-new-pc/

 

Linking Windows 10 digital license to Microsoft account: Is the link permanent?

Linking to your Microsoft Account is more of a convenience when reactivating Windows 10 after a reinstallation or hardware change such as a hard disk.

It doesn't necessarily mean, you can easily transfer Windows 10 to another computer. Here is an explanation of how it works:

• Use a Digital
  License to Manage and Activate Windows 10

Learn more about how and if you can transfer your license:

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

 

Link a Microsoft Account to a Windows 10 license

Hello Steve, and welcome to Ten Forums.

What build of Windows 10 do you currently have installed?

*Arrow https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...mber-find.html

Starting in build 14371, if you see this part highlighted in yellow below in Settings -> Update & security -> Activation from step 7 in the tutorial posted above, then the PC's digital license is linked to your MSA.