2 PCs with same MS live id - transferring a retail license

dalchina · 19 Mar 2021

Hi, as and when (ideally never!) I'm forced to replace one of my laptops, I wondered what the issues would be in transferring a (retail) license given that the login for both is the same MS live id.

I could guess at what to do, never having done it, but would prefer not to get it wrong. One has a license based on a Win 8.1 Pro key.

Anything I've read seems to avoid the issue and just focus on 1 PC, so I'd appreciate advice from someone who's been there and done it. Thanks!

(Just checked this Thinkpad t440s which has both a smaller internal battery and a massive removable one - loads of life left although it's from around 2013 and used daily)

joeandmarg0 · 19 Mar 2021

Try running---slmgr /dlv--- on both machines and if the information supplied is different,then there shouldn't be a problem.
With computers,never say never.
Microsoft have an article covering---slmgr--- and if your memory about it is hazy,it is found:
docs.microsoft.com and then search for:
Slmgr.vbs options for volume activation.
I've not been in your situation of having two different licences for the same OS.

FreeBooter · 20 Mar 2021

If you have a full retail copy of Windows 10, you can transfer it as many times as you want.

Uninstall the product key – this is the closest to deactivating the Windows License. This method does not inform Microsoft Activation Servers the license is no longer in use on the machine; instead, it will avoid conflicts down the road if Microsoft Activation Servers were to detect the license in use on more than one system.

Uninstall the product key with following command: slmgr.vbs /upk

dalchina · 20 Mar 2021

Thanks, I'm aware of that. The question is- what are the implications of two licenses associated with the same MS live id?

alphanumeric · 20 Mar 2021

I don't think it matters how many licenses are associated with your Live ID. Lots of people own more than one device. My desktop and laptop are both tied to my Live ID and both have had multiple versions of Windows 10 installed. Home, Pro, Pro Workstation, Enterprise, etc. Being linked has no effect on the license / activation. I can log in as a local user and still activate with my Digital License. Being linked will help you transfer a license from one device to another though.

joeandmarg0 · 20 Mar 2021

There is no information given in either the ---slmgr---link or your computer[s] via ---settings>system>about>read the software licence terms---,which connects any licence with an account id.
The answer to your concern is "none".

dalchina · 21 Mar 2021

Well, as and when the time comes I can always phone MS activation support if needs be. Thanks anyway.

NavyLCDR · 23 Mar 2021

dalchina said:

Thanks, I'm aware of that. The question is- what are the implications of two licenses associated with the same MS live id?

Short answer is none: