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Transfer of Digital Windows License from old PC to new PC

Anonymous
2025-02-04T11:45:18+00:00

Hi all,

I have just built a new PC and want to transfer my retail Windows license (digitally linked to my account) from my old PC to my new PC.

When I log into my Microsoft Account, I can see both PCs, with an option to 'remove this device unlink from your account' on both. Do I need to do this on the old PC to enable Windows to be activated on my new PC? Are there any further steps after that or is that it?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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  1. DaveM121 876.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-02-04T12:19:06+00:00

    HI, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Do not remove the old device form your account that Windows was activated on.

    After you install Windows on the new device, on the new device on the activation settings window, click the Troubleshoot option, then you will be given the option to select 'I changed my hardware', then select the old device in the list to move the Windows licence to the new device.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-21T08:38:40+00:00

    If I have a copy of Windows 10 pro (on my old workstation) can I transfer Windows 11 pro on my new work notebook (currently w11 home)? Also if I can do I need to reset my notebook to install it?

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-15T19:01:55+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    I can't see the new device in the list of devices. I am surely logged into the same account and the Windows version is surely the same as on the old device (Windows 11 Home). I wanna transfer my license from my laptop to a new PC, so maybe the laptop is an issue..? Could you help, please? Thank you in advance.

    Best wishes,

    Szymon.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-02-04T18:16:24+00:00

    Hi Dave, thank you so much, I looked at this before but because it had Gigabyte in the name (my old motherboard was a Gigabyte), I didn't try this, but this time I did and it worked straight away!

    Much appreciated!!! :)

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