How do you deactivate Windows 10 license on one computer and then install it on another?

Question

I am getting rid of the computer that has a full version of Windows 10 home installed on it. I want to use that license on a different computer. I cannot find within the Microsoft account a listing of the computers that have licenses and how I can deactivate the old computer.

Answer 1

Hi,

I am Sumit, an Independent advisor and a Microsoft MVP here to help.

If Windows 7/8/10 came preinstalled with the computer, that is called an OEM license. For an OEM license, the license dies as soon as Motherboard dies. So essentially it is non-transferable. If that is the case you need to get a new license.

However, this is not same for retail licenses i.e. you purchased the license through Microsoft store. That does carry transfer rights. If that is the case, please see the below steps:

What you need to do is to grab the key using any Software like Showkey Plus, uninstall that key from older PC and use it on another computer.

Download Showkey Plus:

www.thewindowsclub.com/showkeyplus-product-key-finder

Uninstall the key

https://winaero.com/blog/how-to-deactivate-wind...

Use the key by Showkey Plus on the newer computer.

Alternatively, there are two more options available other than this:

Contact Microsoft at https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/... through chat support. They would take control of your PC and activate(might need a proof of purchase)

Use the Activation troubleshooter on the new PC signed in with same MS account.

Go to Settings>Update and security>Activation and run the troubleshooter.

Select I recently changed hardware on this device.

Please let us know if you need any assistance.

Answer 2

There is no actual deactivation process, as long as it is a retail license, you can transfer it to another computer. Just make sure the installation on the old computer is formatted or the product key uninstalled.

Right click CMD

Click Run as adminstrator

At the command prompt, type the following commands:

slmgr.vbs -upk

Hit Enter

this will uninstall the key.

Proceed to install the license on the new computer then reactivate by chat support:

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

Learn more transferring your license:

Learn more about transferring your license:

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/transfer-window...