Transferring a Windows licence to another PC
It depends on the licence type. A retail licence can in principle move to another PC, one at a time. An OEM licence stays tied to the PC it was sold for. After a hardware change, Windows offers an activation troubleshooter tied to your Microsoft account.
By licence type
| Type | Transfer to another PC |
|---|---|
| Retail | Possible in principle, on one PC at a time: you must stop using it on the old one. |
| OEM | Tied to the PC it was sold for; cannot be freely transferred. |
| Digital licence | Tied to the hardware, and to your Microsoft account if you linked it. |
The exact terms are in the Microsoft licence agreement for your product. To understand key types, read Retail, OEM or volume.
If you change PC
- On the old PC: remove the key (
slmgr /upk) or reinstall Windows, so it is no longer used there. - On the new PC: install Windows and enter the key in Settings › System › Activation.
- If it fails: note the error code (activation errors).
If you only change one part
After a motherboard change, Windows may stop being activated. In Settings › System › Activation, use “Troubleshoot” then “I changed hardware on this device recently”, signing in to the Microsoft account linked to the licence. Changing a disk, memory or graphics card generally does not affect activation.
In doubt about your licence? A technician can advise you before the change.