Activate Win10 on a new PC if the old one is inaccessible

Question

Good time of day or evening!
Could you please inform me on the process of how to activate Windows 10 on a new PC considering that the old one is no longer accessible? I received that Windows 10 when there was free giveaway (approximately in 2015). I installed it on my PC and used it for some little time. Now I have a new PC (a laptop, to be more precise) and want to install it onto it, I do not know how to do it though
Thank you in advance

Answer 1

Hi @Noire Carte ,

Have you got a product key?

Here are the methods for activation.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activate

Answer 2

Hello,

From the description you provided, it seems you want to transfer free upgrade license on old computer to new laptop (feel free to correct, if I misunderstood your query).

For that, you need to confirm that old PC had retail license, when you upgraded it to Windows 10 from Windows 7/8.1. Here's how to transfer your license:

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-transfer-windows-10-license-to-another-computer

In case if old PC had an OEM license, unfortunately you can't transfer the license to your laptop. You'll need to buy new license in that case.

Regards.

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

Answer 3

Hi @Noire Carte ,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful.
If yes, you may mark useful reply as answer, if not, welcome to feedback.

Best regards,
Molly