Transfer Windows 10/11 Digital License from VM to another

Question

Hello Everyone,

I'm a Mac user with a need to virtualize a Windows instance.

On Jan 8th, I installed Parallels on my MacBook Air 13-inch M1. During Parallels installation, it was suggested to install a copy of Windows which I did and later realised later that it was a copy of Windows 11 for ARM based systems. Right after Windows 11 installation, I acquired a Digital License through the Microsoft Store. So far, all good... Windows 11 is gorgeous by the way :D

Since I will be mostly on road, I quickly realised that I should host this VM on my other bigger MacBook Pro 16-inch due to his larger screen and more RAM. First thing that I learned is that, in Parallels, I cannot move a Windows VM created on a Mac M1 to an Intel based Mac.

My only hope now, before expending another USD 100+, is to migrate the Windows 11 Digital License to a new VM created on Intel based Mac as Windows 10 and then upgraded to Windows 11.
Can this be done?

I tried capturing the product key [with help of external tool] from the initial VM, removed the license using slmgr tool and tried insert the product key on the new VM without success; also tried to start activation on the new VM and then use troubleshoot/hardware change with no success.

What else can I do?

Your help is much appreciated

Answer 1

Hello @Anaxi

The usage of digital licenses are tied to the hardware installed on. In this case you will need to follow the instructions in the next official article regarding "Reactivating Windows after a hardware change".

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

If that doesn't help, it would be recommended to open a Get Help support ticket through: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

Hope this helps with your query,

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