Windows 10 is among the best desktop operating systems in the world. Microsoft has been gradually expanding Windows 10 to more machines since the launch day. Basically, Windows 10 perfectly combines the best aspects of Windows 8 and Windows 7, while introducing a lot of new things.
Microsoft’s newest Windows version now powers hundreds of millions of computers worldwide, giving us a taste of Microsoft’s services and apps. If you are planning to buy a new PC, then you may want to transfer your Windows 10 license to your new machine.
Fortunately, Microsoft lets you transfer your product key to another device. This comes in handy for those who are building a new computer as it helps save some cash. However, the process may not be straightforward to many folks out there.
In the section below, we are going to show you how to transfer a Windows 10 license to a new computer. Before we proceed, make sure your product key is transferable. Specifically, if you have purchased a retail copy of Windows 10, then you can move your Windows 10 product key to any new computer. The coolest part is that you can move a product key as many times as you want.
Keep in mind that if your computer comes pre-installed with Windows 10, then you are not allowed to transfer a product key as you get an OEM license. For some background, Windows 10 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a Windows 10 version that comes pre-loaded when you buy a new PC. Buying a PC with Windows 10 on it comes in handy as it eliminates the need for installation and setup.
Assuming that you now have a retail copy of Windows 10. Let’s proceed with how to transfer your product key to a new PC.
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How to transfer a Windows 10 license to a new PC
To transfer a Windows product key to a new machine, you first need to uninstall license from your old device. To do this, you can use Windows 10’s Command Prompt.
Step one: Open Start on Windows 10, then search for Command Prompt and perform a right-click on the top result
Step two: Now just simply select Run as administrator from the drop-down menu
Step three: Type the following command slmgr /upk and then press Enter to uninstall a Windows license
Once you are done, you are now free to transfer your product key to a new PC. Keep in mind that you cannot use the same product key on multiple devices.
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How to install a Windows product key on your new PC
Once you have successfully un-installed a Windows 10 product key, you now can install Windows 10 on your new computer. To do this, you can use Command Prompt that comes pre-loaded in Windows 10.
Step one: Open Start, then search for Command Prompt and right-click your result
Step two: Select Run as administrator from the list of options, then enter the following command slmgr /ipk + product key and hit Enter (make sure you enter your product key correctly)
Step three: Now just simply type the following command slmgr /dlv and press Enter (the process may take several minutes)
If you come across any issues during the process, then you can manually activate your Windows 10. Here is how.
Step one: Open Start, then enter Command Prompt into the search field and right-click the top result
Step two: Select Run as administrator from the pull-down menu and enter the following command slui 4
Step three: Press Enter to re-activate the Windows 10 version and then select your region
Step four: Hit the Next button and provide the installation ID. After that, click Enter confirmation ID
Step five: Now just simply enter the confirmation ID you obtained from Microsoft and then proceed with clicking on Activate Windows
Once you are done, Windows 10 is now activated on your new PC. Make sure you install all the available updates on your PC. Keep in mind that a new software update usually includes fixes for bugs and errors.
The Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now available for all Windows users worldwide. The update comes with a number of new features and system improvements, like Timeline, dictation, nearby sharing, or focus assist.
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