Can I use windows 10 licence to activate windows 11?

Question

I want to install windows 11 pro on a new PC and I have my old windows 10 pro licence. Can I use that to activate win 11 or I need to buy a windows 11 one?

Thanks

Answer 1

@Neil D @DaveM121 I think I got it from the university if I remember correctly, It's the transferable one (linked to microsoft account), I did move it from one PC to another before by logging in to the account so I thought if it can also be upgraded to win 11 licence so I don't have to buy new one. The PC I'm building will be brand new and custom built, so no OS was there before

Answer 2

It may also depend on the origin of the windows 10 licence.

If it was part of the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 then it is not valid for Windows 11.

Answer 3

The information provided by the Ai below is not totally correct.

It depends on what type of Windows 10 Pro licence you have, where did you get your Windows Pro licence was that pre-installed on the old PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer, and if so, do you have the product key?

Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

Answer 4

Using a Windows 10 Pro license to activate Windows 11 Pro on a new PC is no longer supported.

Free upgrade paths and the old “loophole” that allowed activating a new Windows 10/11 installation with a Windows 7/8/10 key on new hardware (such as a new motherboard or a completely new device) have been closed. Current guidance indicates:

• The free upgrade from earlier versions (like Windows 7/8.1) to Windows 10/11 is no longer offered.
• The previous loophole that allowed activating new devices with old keys (including those originally used for free upgrades) has been closed since late 2023.
• Only reinstall/activation on the same previously activated device is still possible using the existing digital license.

Therefore, for a brand‑new PC, a new Windows 11 license is required (for example, by purchasing Windows 11 Home/Pro or a device that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled).

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References:

• Windows 8.1 support ended on January 10, 2023
• What does it mean if Windows isn't supported?
• Retrieve Product Key / New Windows 11 install - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to activate Windows 11 Pro digital license after device change - Microsoft Q&A