Windows 10: Windows 10 Retail activation on another PC without product key

I bought a windows 7 many years ago, and upgraded to windows 10 when it came out. My windows is retail, so as I know I can deactivate and install on another PC. I'm about to replace my computer, but my product key for the old windows 7 is lost in the past. How can I activate it on the new PC wihout the key? Or is there any way to get the key?

I appreciate all the help.

:)

 

Use Windows 10 key on another pc if the pc with the license wont start

Hi Nikoss1,

There are certain factors that you need to consider if you want to transfer Windows 10 license to another computer. It may vary if the license is a retail (can be transferred) or OEM license (cannot be transferred).

You have a retail license if you bought the product key from a retail store. An OEM license is when you bought the computer with the Windows operating system preinstalled.

You also have to consider if the Windows 10 product key to be transferred will match the Windows 10 Edition to be transferred to (eg: Microsoft Education product key to Microsoft Education Edition).

A license can only be installed on one PC at a time. Thus, you have to uninstall the product key to the old PC before you can transfer it to another computer.

Uninstalling the product key to the old computer and transferring it to another device will require advanced troubleshooting steps. I suggest that you contact
AnswerDeskfor advanced assistance regarding your activation concern. They have the right tools to check your product key and
see if it is eligible for transfer.

Should you have other questions, let us know.

 

Using the current device's product key on my another device.

Hello,
I tried this before. On newer PC, activation was unsuccessful.

 

Is Product Key Transferable to New PC?

Hi, if your original license was OEM, it cannot be transferred to a new PC.

If it was retail, it can be- as many times as you like. Which was yours? That's the - er - key question.

There is no product key for Win 10 in the same way as for previous editions.

I'm not quite sure if you're referring to a completely different PC, or simply reinstalling Windows on the same PC. If the latter, activation should be automatic. It may be harder if you're making significant hardware changes.

If you have a retail key, please see:
Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First

Uninstall Product Key and Deactivate Windows 10

Activate Windows 10

Finally, if you're confident that you have the right to Win 10 on your target PC and still have difficulty, you can contact your regional MS activation centre.