To move a full Windows 10 license, or the free upgrade from a retail version of Windows 7 or 8.1, the license can no longer be in active use on a PC. Windows 10 does not have a deactivation option.
Yes, it’s possible to transfer a Windows 10 license to a new device, and in this guide, we’ll show you how. Although when you get a new device, it usually comes with a copy of Windows 10 preloaded and activated, it’s not the case when building a custom system.
If you had Activated and linked your license to your Microsoft Account and its a retail license, you might be able to transfer it to the new computer without the product key. It depends on how Windows 10 was originally configured on your computer.
If you upgraded to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 10 Home purchasing the upgrade through the Microsoft Store, then you can transfer the license to a new computer because the product key will be converted into a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
Is the windows 7/8/10 license transferable?
If Windows 7/8/10 came preinstalled with the computer, that is called an OEM license. For an OEM license, the license dies as soon as Motherboard dies. So essentially it is non-transferable.
How do I transfer my Microsoft license to another device?
Make sure you have logged into your Microsoft Account online from that device, so that licence appears on your account, you can then transfer the licence. Power to the Developer!
How many times can I transfer my Windows 10 license?
If you have a full retail copy of Windows 10, you can transfer it as many times as you want. If you performed an Easy Upgrade to the Windows 10 Pro Pack from Windows 10 Home, you can transfer it using Digital Licensing.
How many times can I transfer my license to a new device?
If you’re upgrading a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation to Windows 10 with a retail copy, you’re still entitled to move the license to a new device. Usually, there isn’t a limit on the number of times that you can transfer a retail license to a new device as long as you properly deactivate the other installation.
What happens to my Windows 10 license if I change the motherboard?
For an OEM version, if you change the motherboard, automatically, your free upgrade will be invalidated; meaning, you will have to purchase a new full retail Windows 10 license. With the release of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft has made further improvements to transferring your license using the Digital License feature.
How do I get a Windows 10 license?
Microsoft distributes licenses of Windows 10 in many channels with different rules, but if you’re a regular user, usually, you can only obtain a license through the Retail or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) channel.