You can transfer a Windows license to a new PC only if it's a Retail license — OEM licenses are permanently locked to the original motherboard and can't legally move. The process: sign into your Microsoft account on the new PC, or deactivate the old PC and reactivate with your product key. If activation fails, use the Activation Troubleshooter's "I changed hardware recently" option.
Step 1: Check your license type first
This is the deciding factor. Open Command Prompt and run slmgr /dli, or check Settings → System → Activation:
- Retail — transferable. You can move it.
- OEM — tied to the original motherboard. Cannot be transferred (this includes most pre-built PCs).
- Digital license linked to Microsoft account — easiest case; just sign in on the new PC.
Step 2: Link your license to a Microsoft account (if not already)
On your old PC, go to Settings → Accounts → Your info and sign in with a Microsoft account. Under Settings → System → Activation, confirm it says "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account." This linking is what makes hardware-change transfers smooth.
Step 3: Activate on the new PC
- Install Windows (same edition — Home vs Pro must match) on the new PC.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account.
- Go to Settings → System → Activation → Troubleshoot, and select "I changed hardware on this device recently."
- Choose your old device from the list and select "This is the device I'm using now," then Activate.
Alternatively, if you have the 25-character product key, enter it directly under Settings → System → Activation → Change product key.
Step 4: Deactivate the old PC (good practice)
Once the new PC is activated, you can remove the license from the old machine if you're selling or repurposing it — though a Retail license transfer via the troubleshooter effectively moves the entitlement. The old PC will show as unactivated.
If activation fails
- Edition mismatch — you installed Pro but the license is Home (or vice versa). Reinstall the matching edition.
- OEM license — it won't transfer; you'll need a new license for the new PC.
- Too many activations — contact Microsoft support; they can often reset a Retail license after verifying ownership.
The bottom line
Transferring works smoothly for Retail licenses linked to a Microsoft account — sign in, run the Activation Troubleshooter, select "I changed hardware." OEM licenses don't transfer; if you're moving to a new PC with an OEM-locked machine, a fresh Windows key from DigitalTools activates the new build instantly at below-retail pricing.
