Building a new PC or replacing a dying laptop and don’t want to buy Windows again? Whether you can transfer your existing license depends entirely on what kind of license it is. Here’s how to check, then how to do it.
Retail vs OEM — the key distinction
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /dli. A small dialog will tell you the channel. RETAIL means you can transfer to any compatible device. OEM_DM or OEM_SLP means the license is permanently bonded to the original motherboard — replacing the motherboard ends the license. VOLUME_KMSCLIENT is enterprise/business volume licensing, transferable only within the organization that owns it.
Step 1: Link the license to a Microsoft account (do this on the old PC)
If you haven’t already, sign in to Settings → Accounts → Your Info with a Microsoft account. Then go to System → Activation and look for “Add an account” — this links your digital license to your Microsoft account, which is what makes the transfer work later. You don’t need to actually use that account for daily login afterward.
Step 2: Deactivate on the old PC
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /upk. This uninstalls the product key from the old machine and frees the activation slot. Microsoft can technically detect “duplicate activations” but in practice they’re tolerant if you’re only running on one device at a time.
Step 3: Install Windows on the new PC
Use the Media Creation Tool to make a USB installer, then perform a clean install. When the installer asks for a product key, click “I don’t have a product key” — you’ll activate after Windows is up and running. Sign in with the same Microsoft account you used in step 1.
Step 4: Run the activation troubleshooter
Once you’re at the desktop, go to Settings → System → Activation. You’ll likely see “Windows is not activated.” Click “Troubleshoot” and select “I changed hardware on this device recently.” Pick your old PC from the list and click Activate. The license transfers in about 30 seconds.
What if it doesn’t work
If the troubleshooter doesn’t show your old PC, the digital license might not have linked to your account. In that case, run slui 4 and use phone activation — read the long installation ID to the automated system, type back the confirmation ID, and you’re activated. This works even when the online troubleshooter doesn’t.