How to Transfer Windows License to New PC — Complete 2026 Guide

Building a new PC or upgrading your computer? You don't always need to buy a fresh Windows license. If you know how to transfer Windows license to new PC properly, you can save hundreds of dollars and keep your system legitimate.

The key is understanding which licenses can be moved and following the right process. Let's break down everything you need to know.

Can Your Windows License Be Transferred?

Not all Windows licenses are created equal when it comes to transfers. The type of license you have determines whether you can move it to your new PC.

Retail Licenses (Transferable)

Retail licenses are the golden ticket for transfers. These include:

• Windows purchased directly from Microsoft Store
• Boxed copies from retailers like Best Buy or Amazon
• Digital downloads from authorized resellers
• System Builder editions (marked as retail)

If you upgraded from a retail Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 license to Windows 10/11, you retain transfer rights. This is often a one-time transfer, but it's still valid.

OEM Licenses (Non-Transferable)

OEM licenses are tied to your original hardware and cannot be moved:

• Pre-installed Windows on Dell, HP, Lenovo computers
• System Builder OEM versions (hardware-locked)
• Free upgrades from OEM Windows 7/8/8.1

When your motherboard dies, so does your OEM license. You'll need to purchase a new Windows 11 Pro key or Windows 11 Home key for your replacement system.

How to Check Your License Type

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

slmgr.vbs /dli

Look for "RETAIL" or "OEM" in the description. If it shows "RETAIL," you're good to transfer.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Once you've confirmed you have a retail license, here's how to transfer Windows license to new PC successfully.

Step 1: Link to Microsoft Account (Old PC)

Before doing anything else, link your license to a Microsoft account:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
2. Click "Add a Microsoft account"
3. Sign in or create an account
4. Your license becomes a "digital license" tied to your account

This step is crucial for Windows 10/11 digital licenses and makes the transfer much smoother.

Step 2: Deactivate on Old PC

To avoid "multiple activation" issues, deactivate Windows on your old computer:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run: slmgr.vbs /upk
3. This uninstalls the product key from the old system

If you need to retrieve your product key first, use:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Step 3: Install Windows on New PC

Install the same edition of Windows on your new computer. You can download the official ISO from Microsoft's website and create a USB installer.

Make sure your new PC meets Windows 11 requirements if you're upgrading, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

Step 4: Activate on New PC

You have two activation options:

Method 1: Use Microsoft Account

1. Sign in with the same Microsoft account during setup
2. Go to Settings > System > Activation
3. Click "Troubleshoot" if Windows isn't activated
4. Select "I recently changed hardware on this device"
5. Follow the prompts to reactivate

Method 2: Enter Product Key

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run: slmgr.vbs /ipk [YOUR-PRODUCT-KEY]
3. Or go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key

What If You Don't Have a Transferable License?

If your current license is OEM or you're building your first PC, you'll need to purchase a new Windows license. Here's where to find the best deals:

Reputable discount retailers like Kinguin, Gamivo, and Keycense offer significant savings on retail licenses. Just verify the seller's ratings and return policy before purchasing.

For most users, Windows 11 Home provides everything needed. Power users who need BitLocker encryption or Remote Desktop should consider Windows 11 Pro.

Common Transfer Issues and Solutions

"Windows is not activated" Error

If activation fails after transfer:

1. Ensure you're using the same Windows edition
2. Check your internet connection
3. Run the activation troubleshooter
4. Contact Microsoft support if issues persist

Hardware Change Detection

Major hardware changes (especially motherboard swaps) may trigger reactivation. This is normal for retail licenses. Use the "I recently changed hardware" option in the troubleshooter.

Multiple PC Activation

Retail licenses work on one PC at a time. If you see multiple activation errors, ensure you've properly deactivated the old system first.

Our Recommendation

Learning how to transfer Windows license to new PC can save you significant money, but only if you have the right license type. Always check your license status before planning a transfer.

For new builds without transferable licenses, consider our curated selection of affordable Windows keys from verified sellers. We compare prices across multiple platforms to help you find legitimate licenses at the best prices.

Ready to activate your new PC? Browse our Windows license comparison to find the perfect key for your build, or check out our guide on how to activate Windows 11 with a product key for detailed activation instructions.