I had windows installed on my dell laptop that laptop is dead now

Question

I have genuine license of window in my dell laptop but unfortunately that laptop is dead now.And likely to be discarded.I am planning to use another hp laptop.

can i transfer the license from dell to hp?

Answer 1

License transferability depends on how Windows was originally licensed on the Dell laptop:

1. If Windows came preinstalled on the Dell (OEM license)

• The license is tied to the original device’s hardware and cannot be transferred to another PC.
• In this case, the HP laptop needs its own Windows license. A new license can be purchased via Start > Settings > System/Update & Security > Activation > Go to Microsoft Store on the HP.

2. If Windows was a separate Retail license (purchased from Microsoft Store or as a boxed product)

• Retail licenses are generally transferable to a new device, as long as they are only used on one PC at a time.
• Sign in to the HP laptop with the same Microsoft account used on the Dell and try activation via Settings > Activation > Troubleshoot and follow the “reactivate after a hardware change” path if available.
• If needed, enter the original product key on the HP via Settings > Activation > Change product key.

If the Dell had a free upgrade license (for example, upgraded from Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10/11 at no cost), current guidance indicates such upgrade-based digital licenses may not be reusable on new hardware and a new license may be required.

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References:

• Lifecycle FAQ - Windows
• About Genuine Windows
• Find your Windows product key
• Get help with Windows activation errors
• Fix Windows 10 activation error 0x803f7001
• Reactivating Windows after a hardware change
• Unable to activate Windows 11 Pro digital license after device change - Microsoft Q&A
• Reactivate Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
• I cannot find my product key even though I purchased Windows - Microsoft Q&A
• windows 10 pro . - Microsoft Q&A