How do I transfer Windows 10 license to a new PC?

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  1. Posts : 13
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    How do I transfer Windows 10 license to a new PC?


    I would like to transfer my Windows 10 Pro license to my new build and deactivate it on the old system. I have read there are multiple ways of doing this but am still confused. The easiest way I read was to log in with a MS account and that would link the Windows license to the account. Then I would need to log in on the new system with my MS account and transfer it over but I don't see how. How Microsoft to know I need to deactivate my old system and transfer it over?

    I also read some versions of Windows can't be transferred. Originally I upgraded from Windows 8 when MS was giving 10 out for free. On my old PC it says Windows is activated with a digital license linked to you Microsoft account.

    Any help would be appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    When I run the troubleshooter I don't see my new system listed. My MS account is associated with my new PC. I only see the old system which is activated. There is also an activate button next to it but I guess that's used if I change something on the old PC and need to reactivate.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 42,733
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    Hi, how did you obtain the original Win 8 license? OEM or Retail?
    Determine if Windows License Type is OEM, Retail, or Volume | Tutorials

    Retail This when you buy a Full Packaged Product (FPP), commonly known as a "boxed copy", of Windows from a retail merchant or purchases Windows online from the Microsoft Store.Product keys can be transferred to another PC.
    OEM Product keys are issued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and are not-for-resale and may not be transferred to another computer. They may, however, be transferred with the computer if the computer is transferred to new ownership. If the OEM PC came preinstalled with Windows 8 or Windows 10, then the product key will be embedded in the UEFI firmware chip.
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  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    If your old Windows 8 was retail, then you should be able to use the Windows 8 product key to activate the matching Windows 10 (IE: Home or Pro).
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  6. Posts : 13
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    This is a retail version. I don't know the product key. I've been searching for some kind of receipt but it's been years.
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  7. Posts : 42,733
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7
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  8. Posts : 13
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Ok I'll try that when I get home today.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #9

    Except that we know why it isn't activated... it's a new motherboard that has never been activated before. The biggest question is why the new computer is not showing up as a device on the Microsoft Account.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 42,733
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #10

    The URLs and Showkeyplus may help to recover the Win 8 license from the old one, which the OP's been struggling to find - assuming that's still functonal. That could help e.g. in contacting the regional activation centre- or maybe even in activating Windows on the new PC.
      My Computers


 

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