Is it possible to disable windows to reuse the key on a new PC?


  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Is it possible to disable windows to reuse the key on a new PC?


    Hey guys,

    My current machine is running Windows 10 Pro. I upgraded from Windows 8.1 Pro, using a windows 8.1 pro key if that matters.

    My situation is that I ordered a new computer, and would like to deactivate my current one and use my current key on the new computer.

    Is this possible? How would I go about doing this?

    Thank you!!:)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #2

    There is no explicit deactivation.

    You are supposed to remove Windows from the old PC, and install it on the new one.

    As you're using the free Windows 10 upgrade, you'd have to install and activate a qualifying OS on the new PC, and then upgrade to 10.

    If the activation servers don't like it any time along the way, you'd have to activate by phone.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 463
    Windows 10 Home and Pro
       #3

    No, I don't think so. New computers were intended to come with (or sold separately) Windows 10. Otherwise you would just transfer licenses indefinitely to different computers and never buy Windows again.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 46
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    It depends on your original Windows License. If it is a retail License then yes. OEM would be no.

    Here is a description of what is needed for a new computer system from Microsoft.

    Windows system builder licensing for personal use
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 703
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #5

    Firearm2112 said:
    My current machine is running Windows 10 Pro. I upgraded from Windows 8.1 Pro, using a windows 8.1 pro key if that matters.

    My situation is that I ordered a new computer, and would like to deactivate my current one and use my current key on the new computer.

    Is this possible?
    The correct answer is that it depends on which version of Win8.1 Pro you used for the Win10 upgrade.

    • If your Win8.1 Pro license is a retail version then you can transfer over to a new machine
    • If your Win8.1 Pro license is an oem version then you cannot transfer it to another machine. You would be required to purchase a new Win10 license to use on your new device.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 823
    W11 pro 64 beta channel
       #6

    If you have ordered a new pc, I assume that it is not built by you, and that it doesn't have any os installed. Only a full retail copy of W7 or 8.1 stands a chance of transferring , and the W10 upgrade would have to be downgraded to the original Windows on the retiring pc first.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 107
    Windows 10
       #7

    Firearm2112 said:
    My situation is that I ordered a new computer, and would like to deactivate my current one and use my current key on the new computer.

    Is this possible?
    Yes.

    Firearm2112 said:
    How would I go about doing this?
    How to transfer Windows 8/8.1 license to new computer. -> link

    And then update to Windows 10.
      My Computer


 

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