How to Transfer a Windows License to a New PC

Built a new PC? Whether you can move your Windows license depends on its type. Here’s how transfers work.

Quick answer: A Retail license can be transferred: deactivate it on the old PC, then activate it on the new one. An OEM license is tied to its original device and generally cannot be moved. Linking your license to a Microsoft account makes reactivation easier.

Check your license type first

Retail licenses are transferable; OEM licenses stay with the first device. Run ‘slmgr /dli’ to see your channel.

If it’s OEM, you’ll typically need a new license for the new machine.

Transferring a Retail license

Remove the key from the old PC (‘slmgr /upk’), then enter it on the new PC via Settings > Activation > Change product key.

If linked to your Microsoft account, the Activation troubleshooter can reactivate after hardware changes.

Make future moves easier

Link your license to a Microsoft account so Windows can re-activate automatically after big hardware changes.

Keep a record of your key in a safe place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move an OEM license?

Generally no — OEM licenses are bound to the original device.

How do I remove a key from the old PC?

Use ‘slmgr /upk’ in an elevated Command Prompt.

Does linking to a Microsoft account help?

Yes — it simplifies reactivation after hardware changes.

Retail vs OEM: what can move

A retail Windows license can be moved to a different PC after you remove it from the old one. An OEM license is tied to the first machine it activated and normally cannot be transferred — this is the single biggest thing to check before you plan a move.

If you are not sure which you have, a retail key was bought separately, while an OEM key usually came pre-installed with the computer.

Step-by-step transfer

On the old PC, deactivate or simply stop using the license, then on the new PC enter the product key under Settings, System, Activation. If online activation is blocked because the key is in use, the phone-activation option can complete a legitimate transfer.

Link your license to a Microsoft account first — it makes re-activation after a hardware change far smoother.

Can I move an OEM key?
Generally no — OEM licenses stay with the original PC.

What if activation says the key is in use?
Use the built-in phone-activation option to complete a valid transfer of a retail key.

Need a key? Browse genuine licenses at VexoKey — independent reseller, not affiliated with Microsoft.