How to transfer a Windows 10 license to another computer
Windows 10 was a free upgrade for users who owned either a Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 system. Their licenses were upgraded automatically within the free upgrade period. Users also had the option to buy a new system that came with Windows 10 out of the box.
Transfer a Windows 10 license
A Windows 10 license can be purchased from Microsoft and used on any system you’ve installed Windows 10 on. A single license is good for one system and you cannot use it to activate Windows 10 on multiple systems. If you’ve bought a laptop or desktop that came with Windows 10 pre-installed and activated, your license is an OEM license that’s tied to your hardware. Specifically, it’s tied to the motherboard.
Transfer a Windows 10 license – OEM license
Once you understand this distinction, you should be able tell if your license is transferrable or not. An OEM license cannot be transferred. Some users have said that you can call Microsoft Support and they may help you transfer the license. If they do, it’s likely on per-case basis and done at their discretion. There are no guarantees that they will transfer the license.
Transfer a Windows 10 license – License key
If you bought a Windows 10 license from Microsoft, you should be able to transfer it. You must remember though that once transferred, you will no longer be able to use it on the system you originally used it on.
On the system with the activated Windows 10;
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Accounts>Your Info.
- Sign in with your Microsoft Account.
- Once you sign in, the Windows 10 license will automatically be linked to the Microsoft account.
To transfer the license;
- Open the Settings app on the Windows 10 system you want to transfer the license to.
- Go to Accounts>Your Info.
- Sign in with the same account that you linked the license to.
- Visit your Microsoft Account page in your browser.
- Sign in if you’re prompted to.
- In the devices section, click View all.
- Expand the device you want to remove the license from.
- Click Remove device.
- Return to the old device and sign out your Microsoft account.
- Your new system should activate within minutes.
