How to Transfer a Windows 10/11 License to a New PC
Microsoft allows transferring a Windows license between PCs ONLY for retail (FPP) editions. OEM licenses are bound to the original motherboard forever. Here's how to do the transfer properly — and what to do if Microsoft blocks it.
Check which license type you have
- Run: slmgr /dli in elevated CMD.
- Look at the 'License Description' line. RETAIL channel = transferable. OEM_DM or OEM_COA = not transferable.
- If transferable, proceed to the next step.
Step 1: Link license to Microsoft Account on old PC
- Settings → Accounts → 'Add a Microsoft account'.
- Sign in with an MSA.
- Settings → System → Activation → Add an account → sign in.
- Confirm 'Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account'.
Step 2: Deactivate on old PC
- slmgr /upk — uninstall product key.
- slmgr /cpky — clear key from registry.
- The license stays on Microsoft's servers, linked to your MSA.
Step 3: Activate on new PC
- Install Windows 10/11 on the new hardware (use a generic key during setup).
- Settings → Accounts → sign in with the same MSA.
- Settings → System → Activation → Troubleshoot → 'I changed hardware recently'.
- Select your old PC from the list → Activate.
Alternative: Use HWID after the transfer
- If the official transfer is blocked, run KMSAuto.software → HWID on the new PC.
- Issues a fresh digital license tied to the new hardware.
- No interaction with your retail key required.
Frequently asked questions
▸Can I transfer an OEM Windows license?
Officially no. OEM licenses are bound to the original motherboard. In practice, HWID activation will issue a new digital license on the new hardware regardless.
▸How many times can I transfer a retail license?
Microsoft does not publish a limit, but accounts that transfer 3+ times in a short period may trigger manual review by the activation team.
▸What if 'I changed hardware recently' isn't in my Activation troubleshooter?
It only appears for accounts with at least one MSA-linked digital license. If missing, link your license on the old PC first.
▸Does a motherboard replacement count as a 'new PC'?
Yes. Microsoft considers the motherboard the primary hardware identifier. Replacing it invalidates the original digital license.
▸Can I use the same Windows license on two PCs?
No. The license is single-use at any time. Transferring deactivates the old PC; running on both simultaneously violates the EULA.
▸Do I need to factory-reset the old PC?
Not required, but recommended for privacy. The license is removed via slmgr /upk regardless of whether you reset.
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