Windows Licensing after a Macrium Restore

Looking for some feedback. Not providing Version number as it is not applicable to this question. The image is Win 10 V21H2

I have client with numerous licensed software packages. The client tells me some of these can't be re-install either because he does not have disks or the servers that provided product updates are no longer operational.

My plan was to buy a new Desktop which of course will include a Windows 10/11 license. The Macrium knowledge base gives instructions for restoring an MBR image to a UEFI device. For reference

Restoring an MBR System image to UEFI/GPT - KnowledgeBase v7.2 - Macrium Reflect Knowledgebase

Following their instructions I would only restore the C: partition.

The partition would contain the current digital license for Windows 10, which in all likely hood will not reactivate on this new platform. (My opinion, not necessarily a fact)

Now the new device will come with a license, maybe even Win 11, a license stored and protected in the UEFI.

How do I get Windows to interrogate the UEFI and apply the new license to this restored image?

Don't think Windows 10 or 11 license would be a problem.. but if any other programs are tied to hardware or single install by any means it would

go to change key, leave it empty and restart. Maybe all is needed is click activate again

They made it that easy ???

Caledon Ken said:

They made it that easy ???

Admit, haven't tried it myself, but it should be.

You cant just copy drive c you will need other paritions as well or it wont boot.

I did one of these this week and it wont activate and may not find all the drivers

Samuria said:

You cant just copy drive c you will need other paritions as well or it wont boot.

I did one of these this week and it wont activate and may not find all the drivers

Was the new hardware activated before restoring?

As the procedure I always recommend performing a clean install, and then replacing only C: partition

My plan would be to activate any new machine when bought. I would also do a complete Macrium of it so I can always get back to square one.


Thank you all for comments so far. The Edition is good info NavyLCDR.


Samuria, I would be following Macrium instructions. It has you clean the disk and then make a couple of partitions.

I've swap drives in the past, Windows grinds for a while but gets most things right. It is a risk.