How to re use the product key of windows 10 to another virtual machine?

Question

I have a virtual machine using oracle virtual box with windows 10 pro activated, unfortunately I can't open that machine anymore because the computer host is not working anymore. I'm planning to make a new virtual machine and tried to put the same key to activate the windows but it won't activate.

Is there any ways to activate my windows without purchasing another product key?

Answer 1

Hello.

If you have already used the product key to activate Windows on the previous virtual machine, you may not be able to use the same key to activate Windows on a new virtual machine.

This is because the product key can only be used on one machine. The prerequisite for moving the product key is that you need to deactivate the product key on the previous machine. You can do this by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command "slmgr /upk". This will uninstall the product key from the old virtual machine.

Once you have deactivated the license on the old virtual machine, you can activate it on the new one by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and entering the product key.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

Answer 2

Lian's answer didn't work for me. I got the activation key out of the registry from my old Windows 10 Pro PC, then deactivated it. I tried to use it on the new Windows 11 VirtualBox but got error 0xc004f050.

I guess Microsoft want more money out of me.