Windows 10: Win10 will not accept my license key moving to new PC

I have a W10 Pro key from probably 7-8 years ago, retail boxed. I used it then successfully, and it has not seen the light of day since. I just built a new PC and I'm trying to use it again.The USB install in that retail box, with builds dated 2017 on the UI, does not complete presumably due to some driver issues.I'm using a new USB install via their media creation toolMy key is not accepted and I've had various codes including 0x803FA067The automated processes are totally useless and it's impossible to get through to anyone at MSI've used the SLMGR tool to remove and clean the key from the ol

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How do I move a Windows 10/11 license to a new computer?

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Moving a Windows 10/11 license and your system/apps to a new computer, especially in a data center environment, involves a few steps. This process is relatively straightforward if you have a retail version of Windows, as retail licenses are transferable between computers. Here's how to approach it:

Verify Your License Type

First, ensure your Windows license is a retail version. OEM licenses are not transferable. You can check your license type by:

• Opening Command Prompt as an administrator.
  
• Typing slmgr -dli and pressing Enter.
  
• A window will pop up showing your license information. Look for the "Description" line. If it mentions "Retail," you're good to go.
  

Deactivate the License on the Current PC

Before moving your license, you should deactivate it on your current PC:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator on the PC where the license is currently activated.
  
• Type slmgr /upk to uninstall the product key. This will deactivate Windows but not completely remove the license from your Microsoft account.
  

Prepare for the Move

• System Backup: Use Macrium Reflect, which you mentioned you already have, to create a complete backup of your system drive. This backup can be used to restore your system to the new PC.
  
• Data Backup: Make sure all your data, including the contents of the 6TB HDD, is backed up securely, either through Macrium Reflect or another reliable backup method.
  

Activate License on the New PC

Once the new server is set up at the new data center:

• Install Windows: If Windows is not pre-installed on the new PC, install the same edition of Windows 10/11 that you had on your old PC.
  
• Activate Windows: To activate your Windows license on the new PC:
  
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    
  • Type slmgr /ipk <YourProductKey> where <YourProductKey> is your actual Windows product key, then press Enter to install the product key.
    
  • Then, type slmgr /ato to activate Windows online.
    
• If activation fails or if there are issues, you might need to use the automated phone system for activation or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
  

Restore Your System and Apps

• Use the Macrium Reflect rescue media to boot the new PC.
  
• Restore the system image you created from your old PC to the new PC’s SSD.
  
• Ensure the restoration process completes successfully, and then boot into Windows to check if the system and apps are functioning as expected.
  

Data Restoration

• Restore your data backups to the new PC’s 6TB HDD or equivalent storage.
  

• Driver Compatibility: Moving a system image from one hardware configuration to another can sometimes lead to driver issues. Check Device Manager for any unknown devices or errors and install the necessary drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
  
• Licensing for Other Software: Besides Windows, ensure that any other software licenses, like Macrium Reflect, are transferred or reactivated according to their respective policies.
  

Moving to a new data center with a new physical server involves careful planning, especially regarding licensing and data integrity. Following these steps should help ensure a smooth transition.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Possible problems with selling my PC with win10 license linked to my MS account + adding a new licence to a harddrive from the old PC that has previously been active through the old license

Hi,

My current situation

1 PC with preinstalled win10 on HDD

2 Moved windows to a SDD on the same PC, win10 was reactivated by itself. The license is connect to my MS account

Now I'm planning to sell that PC while moving the SDD and installed programs to a new PC.

So the plan is to

-Reinstall the HDD in the old PC, reinstall windows and sell it including the original win10 license to a new user

-Move the SDD to a new PC (in order to avoid a reinstall on my current setup), assume that the license would be invalid due to the motherboard change, buy a new license key and reactive windows on the new PC without reinstalling windows.

1. Will it work to move the SDD and just reactive with a new key or do I have to reinstall it anyway?

2. Will there be any conflict with the accounts on the old PC/original license since it currently says that my ms account is linked to the license? (the same account that will be used on the new PC). Do I have to unlink in some way or will it just work the
new users account?

 

Move Win10 pro OS to other computer

I got my activation by following this steps, in case any people wants to try

1. After following steps from Paloma
   
2. In your new PC, go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot
   
3. Click on 'I changed my hardware recently'
   
4. It prompts you to select the old PC connected through your ms account
   
5. Select and activate it, and you should have your license moved to your new PC
   

Good luck!