How to transfer the license of Windows 11, 10 (Product Key) from one PC to another

A very useful tutorial in which we show you how to transfer the license of Windows 11 or Windows 10 from one computer to another. How to deactivate the license on the old PC and how to activate it on the new one.

Over time, Microsoft has changed the methods of activating licenses for its operating systems. If at Windows XP was enough a serial number that could be activated Windows on countless PCs, over the years the operating systems have evolved and so have the methods of activating and validating licenses.

Windows 10 comes with several types of license, depending on the channel through which the operating system or laptop was purchased. We have licenses OEM, Retail si Volume License. Each type of license has separate features and registration methods.

License types Windows

Before you see how can we transfer the license Windows 10 or Windows 11 from one computer to another, it is good to find out who they are the characteristics of each type of license, how we can find out which license is activated on PC and how can we disable it.

What is the License? Windows OEM

When you buy a PC or laptop with Windows 10 preinstalled, it comes with OEM license. The OEM license is activated on the device in the firmware (UEFI/BIOS) si cannot be transferred. So, if you have an older laptop that you want to change, license it Windows 10 from the old one cannot be transferred to the new laptop.

What is a Windows Volume License

These licenses are dedicated to large companies, government institutions, schools, colleges and other entities with a large number of computers. Volume License cannot be validated only on company computers, and its activation is done remotely by the IT department, through a KMS server or Multiple Activation Keys (MAK). A single license key (product key) is sufficient for all computers.
This license can be activated immediately on any new computer in the company, with Windows 10, without the need to disable it beforehand from another PC.

What is a license? Windows Retail

It is the most flexible license, being the only one that can be transferred from one computer to another. The "Retail" license is bought both from physical stores accompanied by a copy medium Windows 10 (DVD, USB) as well as online from Microsoft Store. This license is accompanied by a unique number (product key), which the buyer is urged to keep confidential and attach to a Microsoft account. Basically this is it too digital license (digital license) of Windows 10.

How can you see what type of license is activated on a PC or laptop with Windows 10 or Windows 11

Steps to find out the type of license Windows 10 from a PC or laptop with Windows 10 they are very simple. We go in “Settings” →  “Update & Security” →  “Activation”.

At the top is the edition of Windows 10 installed and activation type. In our case we have Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview activated with the digital license linked to the personal Microsoft account.  “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account“.

Also from "Activation" we can also change the license key a Windows 10.

Another method by which we can find out what type of license Windows 10 we have it activated on the PC, it is by direct command in Command Prompt.

1. open Comand Prompt and execute the command line:

 slmgr -dli

2. After executing the command line, the license information will appear in a dialog box Windows installed. The channel through which the license was purchased also appears. RETAIL, in our case.

How to transfer the license of Windows 10 or Windows 11 (Product Key) from one PC to another

The simplest method is by resetting the PC from which we want to deactivate the license. The reset can be done with personal data retention (except installed applications and settings) or total reset, when all data will be deleted and the license Windows 10 disabled from the PC.

Before resetting the PC, a general backup of all stored files and information is highly recommended.

there it is how to transfer the license to Windows.

1. go to “Settings” →  “Recovery” →  “Reset this PC“. This option will start the reset process of Windows.

2. In the blue dialog box, choose how we want to reset. With the maintenance of personal files or with the total deletion.

After resetting the PC from which you want to deactivate the license, install a copy of Windows 10 on another PC, log in with your Microsoft account for which you have the electronic license and register the product.

Deactivation of the license Windows from Microsoft Account

If you have a Retail license registered on a personal Microsoft account (electronic license), it can also be deactivated online directly from Microsoft Account.

Tutorials about license activation Windows:

• How to delete or hide the message "Activate Windows - Go to Settings to Activate Windows"In Windows 10
• Fix Your Windows License Will Expire Soon – Windows 10 Activated "Windows is activated using your organization's activation service ”
• How you can upgrade for free to Windows 10 or Windows 11

1. go to Microsoft Account from any laptop or PC and log in with the same asphalt account on the PC on which the license is activated.

2. On the device on which you want to deactivate the license, click on “Show details“.

3. Once you have selected the PC or laptop from which you want to deactivate the license, click on “Manage", then click on "Remove laptop”From the menu that opens.

4. After choosing “Remove Laptop” tick “I’m ready to remove this laptop“ and click on the buttonremove".

“Laptop removed
We removed your laptop at 3/11/2021, 1:37:44 AM.
This device is still associated with the Store for getting apps & games. There is a limit of 10 devices that you can download apps & games on with your Microsoft account.”

From now on, your laptop or PC with Windows 10 it is no longer associated with your Microsoft account, but the license will remain active until you delete your Microsoft account from your PC. You can disassociate your Microsoft account from a PC in two ways. Complete formatting or deletion of the user from which the operating system was activated Windows 11.

This is the easiest way to transfer your license Windows 11 or Windows 10.