Install Windows 10 or 11 on the new PC, without entering a product code during the install process. If you don't do either of these things, the computer will still be seen as registered with Microsoft and could prevent you from being able to activate the same key on the new PC.Ģ. See our tutorial on how to reset Windows 10 or 11. Reset Windows or completely erase the drive on your old PC. So don't try to deactivate your old PC, at least until you have successfully deactivated the new one.ġ. However, we heard from some readers that they were unable to activate their new computers after this or to get the old PC back on license. Note: We previously recommended that you remove the old PC from your Microsoft account before transferring your license and this worked for us in tests. Instead, you must follow the steps below.

If your Windows license is 'digital,' which means that it's tied to your Microsoft account, entering the product key into a new PC will not work. How to Transfer a Digital Windows License to a New PC Otherwise, follow the instructions for transferring a non-digital Windows 10 or 11 product key, also below. If the Activation screen says that you have a digital license, follow the instructions for transferring a digital license below.

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