Transferring Your Windows 11 Key to a New Computer
If you're moving to a new PC and want to take your Windows 11 key with you, it's possible, depending on the type of key you have. Not all keys are transferable, so knowing what kind you own makes all the difference.
Retail keys are the most flexible. If you bought your
Windows 11 key directly from Microsoft or an authorized seller, it’s likely a
retail version. These can be transferred from one machine to another. All you
need to do is deactivate the key on your old device, install Windows 11 on the
new one, and activate it using the same key.
To deactivate it, open Command Prompt as administrator and
run the command slmgr.vbs /upk. This will uninstall the key from the current
system. Once that’s done, you can use that same key during the Windows 11 setup
on your new PC or activate it later from Settings.
However, if your key came pre-installed on a PC, it’s
probably an OEM license. OEM keys are tied to the original hardware and can't
be transferred to a new computer. In that case, you’d need to purchase a new
Windows 11 key for the new device windows 11 key.
Digital licenses linked to your Microsoft account can
sometimes be transferred too. If that’s your situation, sign into your account
on the new PC, and Windows might activate automatically using the associated
license.
Understanding your Windows 11 key type helps you avoid
complications when switching machines. With the right approach, transferring a
license is a smooth and cost-effective way to stay up and running.
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