Windows 10 Pro License -- transferring it to a new machine

randomus3r said:

Then what happens with the old computer? What license will end up having? Home or Pro? What happens after I reset the old computer?

Run the following commands:

WinVer

SLMgr /dli

Hopefully, the output will answer your questions.

randomus3r said:

Thanks, but I am not asking about the cost of a new license

I want to use my license in a new computer. If I sell the old computer, I do not want to be associated in any way, shape or form with the new owner, obviously. I plan to reset the old computer before selling it.

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Thanks Matt

Then what happens with the old computer? What license will end up having? Home or Pro? What happens after I reset the old computer?

What @Fabler2 posted is true. Upgrades purchased from the Microsoft Store are for that computer only. That's why it is cheaper, you can't move it from computer to computer. Now, what happens to the license for the Surface Pro 4? It is forever stored on Microsoft Activation servers based upon the unique hardware ID for that Surface Pro 4 and you can't do anything about it. Windows 10 Home can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the product key stored in it's UEFI firmware. Windows 10 Pro can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the generic product key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T. It does not matter who owns or logs in to that computer.

NavyLCDR said:

What @Fabler2 posted is true. Upgrades purchased from the Microsoft Store are for that computer only. That's why it is cheaper, you can't move it from computer to computer. Now, what happens to the license for the Surface Pro 4? It is forever stored on Microsoft Activation servers based upon the unique hardware ID for that Surface Pro 4 and you can't do anything about it. Windows 10 Home can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the product key stored in it's UEFI firmware. Windows 10 Pro can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the generic product key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T. It does not matter who owns or logs in to that computer.

Ok, thanks

Then the license is not associated with my account, just with the hardware

And when I reset the old computer, it will reset to Windows 10 Pro but without using my Microsoft account.

Did I get it right?

randomus3r said:

Ok, thanks

Then the license is not associated with my account, just with the hardware

And when I reset the old computer, it will reset to Windows 10 Pro but without using my Microsoft account.

Did I get it right?

If you do a reset, it should reset to Windows 10 Pro. If you do a clean install, the clean install will be Windows 10 Home to begin with, which can then be upgraded at any time to Pro by changing the product key to the generic product key to Windows 10 Pro.

NavyLCDR said:

What @Fabler2 posted is true. Upgrades purchased from the Microsoft Store are for that computer only. That's why it is cheaper, you can't move it from computer to computer. Now, what happens to the license for the Surface Pro 4? It is forever stored on Microsoft Activation servers based upon the unique hardware ID for that Surface Pro 4 and you can't do anything about it. Windows 10 Home can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the product key stored in it's UEFI firmware. Windows 10 Pro can always be activated on that Surface Pro 4 with the generic product key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T. It does not matter who owns or logs in to that computer.

That is good to know, all my activate 10 PRO pc have that same generic key. I have done reinstalls, skipped typing in any key and just logged in. Another PC I bought on ebay as a bare motherboard, I installed 10 PRO, skipped typing in key, logged in with MS account and it was activated.

sdowney717 said:

Another PC I bought on ebay as a bare motherboard, I installed 10 PRO, skipped typing in key, logged in with MS account and it was activated.

I logged in to my new PC already with my MS account and it only got the Home license

I wonder what will happen if I try to use the generic Pro key when activating it.

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NavyLCDR said:

If you do a reset, it should reset to Windows 10 Pro. If you do a clean install, the clean install will be Windows 10 Home to begin with, which can then be upgraded at any time to Pro by changing the product key to the generic product key to Windows 10 Pro.

Thanks NavyLCDR. Good to know