How do I transfer my Windows license to a new PC?

Upgrading to a new PC is exciting—but what about your existing Windows license? If you’ve purchased a genuine copy of Windows, you may be wondering whether you can transfer that license to your new device without buying a new one. The good news is: in many cases, you can! But it depends on the type of license you have.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps, explain different license types, and help you determine if you’re eligible to transfer your Windows license to a new computer.

Types of Windows Licenses: What You Need to Know

Before transferring your license, it’s important to understand what kind of license you own. Microsoft provides three main types:

1. Retail License

Purchased directly from Microsoft or authorized sellers.
Can be transferred to another PC.
Allows activation on only one device at a time.

2. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) License

Pre-installed by the manufacturer on a new PC.
Tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.
Cheaper but not reusable.

3. Volume License

Designed for businesses and institutions.
Can be used across multiple machines.
Usually managed with tools like KMS or MAK keys.

How to Check Your License Type

To determine your Windows license type:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command:
Press Enter. A window will appear showing whether the license is Retail, OEM, or Volume.
bashCopyEditslmgr /dli

How to Transfer a Windows License (Retail Only)

If your key is Retail, follow these simple steps:

✅ Step 1: Deactivate Windows on the Old PC

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run this command to uninstall the product key:

This frees the license from the old machine.

bashCopyEditslmgr /upk

✅ Step 2: Install Windows on the New PC

Install the same version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10 Home, Pro, etc.) on your new computer.
During setup, select “I don’t have a product key” to skip for now.

✅ Step 3: Activate Windows on the New PC

Once Windows is installed, go to:
Click “Change product key” and enter your old key.

If activation fails, you can try phone activation or contact Microsoft Support.

pgsqlCopyEditSettings > Update & Security > Activation

Can I Use My Windows 10 Key to Activate Windows 11?

Yes, if you have a valid Windows 10 Retail key, you can use it to activate Windows 11—provided your new PC meets the system requirements. Microsoft has made this process smooth for eligible users upgrading to newer hardware.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

🔹 Error: 0xC004C008

This error means the key has already been used. Solution: Ensure it’s not being used on the old PC or use phone activation.

🔹 Error: Invalid Product Key

Double-check the version (Home vs Pro). Product keys are version-specific.

What If You Lost Your Product Key?

If you purchased from a digital reseller like Genuinesoftstore, your key should be in your email or account history. You can also use tools like ShowKeyPlus to recover it from your old machine—before uninstalling.

Where to Buy a New License?

If you find your current license is OEM or not eligible for transfer, you can purchase a new genuine Windows license from a trusted source like Genuinesoftstore. They offer:

Windows 10 & 11 Pro/Home
Instant email delivery
Full installation guides
Free remote support

Final Thoughts

Transferring your Windows license can save you money and is a smart option if you’re switching PCs. Just remember:

Retail licenses can be transferred.
OEM licenses cannot be transferred.
Always deactivate your old PC before using the key on a new one.

Need help or a new license? Visit Genuinesoftstore to get started with affordable, genuine Windows keys backed by full support.