Transfer Your Windows 11 License to a New Computer
Getting a new PC is exciting, but what about your Windows 11 license? The good news is that certain license types can be transferred to your new computer. This guide walks you through the entire process, from understanding your license type to successfully activating Windows on your new machine.
Last updated: December 2024
Understanding Windows 11 License Types
Before attempting to transfer your license, you need to know what type you have. This determines whether transfer is possible:
Retail License
TransferablePurchased separately from any hardware. This is the most flexible license type.
- Can be transferred unlimited times
- Must be deactivated on old PC first
- Only one PC at a time
- Full transfer rights
OEM License
Not TransferablePre-installed on a PC or purchased with hardware. Tied to the original motherboard.
- Cannot be transferred to another PC
- Tied to original hardware
- Dies with the motherboard
- Cheapest option but least flexible
Volume License
Not TransferableEnterprise licenses for organizations. Managed by IT departments.
- Managed by your organization
- Contact IT for transfers
- Special activation methods
- Not for individual transfer
Digital License
TransferableLinked to your Microsoft account from a free upgrade or Microsoft Store purchase.
- Transferable if from retail purchase
- Linked to Microsoft account
- May transfer automatically
- Sign in to activate
How to Check Your License Type
- 1Press Windows + R to open Run
- 2Type 'slmgr /dli' and press Enter
- 3Wait for the Windows Script Host dialog
- 4Look at the 'Description' field
- 5RETAIL channel = Transferable
- 6OEM channel = Not transferable
Step 1: Deactivate Windows on Your Old PC
Before you can use your retail license on a new PC, you must deactivate it on the old one. Here's how:
Method 1: Command Prompt (Recommended)
- 1On your OLD computer, right-click the Start button
- 2Select 'Terminal (Admin)' or 'Command Prompt (Admin)'
- 3Click 'Yes' on the User Account Control prompt
- 4Type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /upk- 5Wait for confirmation message
- 6Your license is now deactivated and ready to transfer
This command uninstalls the product key from Windows, making it available for use on another PC.
Method 2: Clear License from Registry
After uninstalling the key, clear it from the registry to prevent issues:
slmgr /cpkyThis clears the product key from the registry for security.
Important: Keep your product key safe! Write it down or save it securely before deactivating. You'll need it to activate your new PC.
Finding Your Product Key
Need to find your Windows 11 product key? Here are several methods:
Method 1: Command Prompt
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKeyWorks for keys embedded in BIOS/UEFI
Method 2: Check Your Email
If you purchased digitally, check your email for the purchase confirmation from Microsoft or your retailer.
Method 3: Microsoft Account
Sign in to account.microsoft.com and check your 'Devices' section for linked licenses.
Method 4: Original Packaging
Physical purchases include the key on a card or sticker inside the box.
Step 2: Activate Windows on Your New PC
Once Windows 11 is installed on your new computer, activate it with your transferred license:
Method 1: Settings App (Easiest)
- 1Open Settings (Windows + I)
- 2Go to System → Activation
- 3Click 'Change' next to 'Change product key'
- 4Enter your 25-character product key
- 5Click 'Next' and then 'Activate'
- 6Windows should activate successfully
Method 2: Command Prompt
- 1Open Terminal or Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2Install the product key with this command:
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXslmgr /ato- 3Then activate Windows with:
- 4Wait for the activation confirmation
Replace the X's with your actual product key
Method 3: Microsoft Account (Digital License)
- 1Make sure you're signed in with the same Microsoft account
- 2Go to Settings → System → Activation
- 3Click 'Troubleshoot' if not automatically activated
- 4Select 'I changed hardware on this device recently'
- 5Select your device from the list
- 6Click 'Activate' to complete the transfer
Phone Activation (When Online Fails)
If online activation doesn't work, you can activate by phone:
- 1Press Windows + R, type 'slui 4', press Enter
- 2Select your country/region from the dropdown
- 3Call the toll-free number displayed
- 4Follow the automated prompts
- 5Enter the Installation ID shown on screen
- 6Receive and enter the Confirmation ID
- 7Click 'Activate Windows'
Phone activation is useful when you've transferred your license multiple times or when servers can't verify your license automatically.
Troubleshooting Transfer Issues
Running into problems? Here are solutions to common issues:
Error: This product key is already in use
Make sure you deactivated Windows on your old PC first. Run 'slmgr /upk' on the old machine, wait 24 hours, then try activating the new PC again.
Error: Product key blocked
This usually means the key has been used on too many devices. Use phone activation or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
Can't find my product key
Check your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, original purchase email, or use the command 'wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey' in Command Prompt.
Digital license won't transfer
Sign out and back into your Microsoft account. Go to Activation settings and use 'I changed hardware on this device recently' option.
Activation server unavailable
Wait a few hours and try again. Microsoft's servers occasionally have issues. Alternatively, use phone activation as a backup.
License shows as OEM but I bought retail
Contact the retailer or Microsoft Support with your proof of purchase. They may be able to issue a replacement retail key.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I transfer a retail license?
Retail licenses can be transferred an unlimited number of times, as long as it's only active on one PC at a time and you follow the proper deactivation process.
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 and transfer that license?
If your Windows 10 was a retail license, the free upgrade to Windows 11 maintains those transfer rights. If it was OEM, the upgraded Windows 11 remains non-transferable.
Do I need internet to transfer my license?
Internet is preferred for activation, but you can use phone activation if online activation fails or isn't available.
What happens to Windows on my old PC after transfer?
Windows will continue to work but will show as 'not activated' with a watermark. You can purchase a new license or it will have limited functionality.
Can I transfer a Windows 11 Home license to activate Windows 11 Pro?
No, you must use a matching license. A Home key activates Home, and a Pro key activates Pro. You'd need to purchase a Pro upgrade.
Is there a waiting period between transfers?
There's no official waiting period, but Microsoft's servers may take up to 24 hours to recognize a deactivation. If activation fails immediately, wait and try again.
Related Windows 11 Guides
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