Cannot move license from remove device

Question

I'm setting up a new PC and want to move my Win10 digital license from the old PC.

I had previously linked my old PC to Microsoft account, and (for some reason) thought that I needed to remove that PC from devices list before activating my new PC.

And now I cannot activate new PC by selecting the option about hardware change: it shows the empty list of current machines. So I cannot select it to move the license.

And I also cannot re-add the old PC to Microsoft account, even though it's logged on and linked to Microsoft, but still not showing in the device list.

How can I fix my situation?

I will be grateful for any help.

Answer 1

It is the full retail version of Win 10 Home (upgraded from full retail Win 7).

The problem was eventually solved after a few hours of trying. I think enabling location reporting on the old PC finally allowed to readd it to devices list in Microsoft account, which in turn allowed me to choose it when activating the new PC and move the license.

Answer 2

Hi mics_582,

Good day! This is Jhakesong an Independent Advisor and I will be happy to assist you with this.

I am sorry to hear about the inconvenience. Was the license in your old pc bought separately or it came with the computer? If it did, chances are that it is OEM and it cannot be transferred. You will need to buy a separate license for your new computer.

To check what license you have from your old pc, execute this in command prompt:

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type cmd and press enter
3. On command prompt, type this command and press enter:

slmgr /dlv

4. Attach the results from the window that popped up on your reply.

Let me know how it goes. Have a great day!