PERFECTLY Explained! Thank you very much for this video, I've just built my Wife and I a new PC each and I didn't know how to transfer the Licence Key in order to activate windows on them. Really appreciate your time put into this one. Many Thanks - Neil.
Thank you. This was spot on . I watched other tutorials that show using Power Shell or command prompt and neither of those methods worked for me. Yours did. Thank you.
I found it much easier to load Ubuntu Linux onto my laptop than continue with Windows. It goes so much faster now, with no cost involved. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but sure works for me !
@@Britec09Dear youTuber, Please help me for my problem.. I have sold my Laptop to someone, Now he is saying I won't pay full amount, since this laptop don't have office, can i transfer my Product key? 😢😢😢
Sheesh, the first few hours made me freakin nervous since I repeatedly trying to upgrade my Win 10 home to Pro in Cmd prompt. But then it worked, I just found a comment that try to upgrade your product key without connecting in your internet 😩 Thank you!
How do you still use this if the PC's MOBO that has the original retail key on it breaks and you can't deactivate it on that PC even though you have the retail license 25 digit key written down for it ?.
I ran the cmd slmgr -dli and it indicated that on two machines that they both had a Retail key. I then ran the utility mentioned in this video and it returned the generic key for Windows10 Pro that being VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T . This is the key that one can install on Windows10 to automatically select Windows10 Pro during install but will only temporarily activate Windows10. Both of these machines fall into category 1 aka upgraded from a retail copy of Windows7. One can also issue the slmgr /dlv but even that does not provide any really useful information.
I was struggling with this for a while. Apparently Free PC Audit does not report the correct product key. To get the correct product key, run cmd as admin and type the following command: "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey". Write down your product key, and then follow the rest of the instructions to uninstall it from your old pc, and install to your new pc.
I’m having issues, copied down the product key correctly, removed it from the registry like the video shows, installed new motherboard, processor, etc. went to put in product key, states it was invalid
I'm thinking you can transfer OEM keys as well. Sometime. Getting ready to attempt it here due to a failed motherboard. Not critical if it doesn't work however. Which brings up another issue with doing it the way you're explaining here. What if your motherboard dies and you can't do the CMD inputs from that system itself? MS does have the phone system that works too.
Just purchased a new laptop with windows 11 home. My previous laptop had windows 11 workstations which I purchased through the Microsoft store. How can install workstations on my new laptop? My Microsoft account only shows that I purchased it, but doesn't give me a serial number
I followed everything and have a retail key, in the cmd promt it said it installed successfully i restarted but it is still not activated and i get a 0x803fa067 error and troubleshooting does nothing?
Slight thing confuses me (don't take much) I gave this a try just in case i needed to do a component upgrade or something else that needs a new key, i tried free pc audit and it gave me the same key as someone had already posted further down, Windows product key|VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T , this is not the same as the key i entered when i activated windows, is there a reason for this? or does the activation just change your original product key to this one ending in 3V66T?
Thanks for the video, but I'm a bit confused. Before I saw this video, on TechEmpty's channel he gave instructions on finding your license key using command prompt with the following command, "wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey". The problem is that when I use this command I get a license key, but when I use FreePCaudit I get a completely different license key. How do I know which license key is correct?
Super happy to find this, I got a new key and while my new computer was in the mail I tested my key out on the old comp :( , I was goin gto just change my key to a kms key without deactivating it.
Can confirm if you upgraded from a retail copy of Win 7 to Win 10 you can only transfer to a new Mobo 1 time. I just had to get another copy after I already used my one time transfer and could not do it again on a new pc.
l just used the key without deactivating it from my old computer and it worked fine, but i did wipe the hard drive and installed linux so that old computer wont ever connect to microsoft again
How were you able to do it? I tried to use my key (granted I was not connected to the internet yet because I said no to bloatware and having to sign in to microsoft, I prefer not to sync my computers) during the install of Windows 10 Home last night but it had a problem with my key. I haven't connected the new pc to the internet just yet but I'm guessing there's a chance that it might not work. Hopefully it does but if it doesn't I guess I need to get a new key somehow.
@@perish1n that is the retail key it can be use on many computers as long as you are not logged on at the same time, if someone else used the same key 1 of us would get a warning from ms i am sure, I am not to sure if there is a maximum amount of times you can use it though
From what i can find online; it seems like OEM licenses CAN be transferred to another harddrive, and is only tied to the model of the motherboard of the computer it was originally installed on. If anyone knows more than me on this subject, then please correct me if im wrong.
But I was able to transfer windows 10 from my old prebuilt computer with windows already on it to my new pc that I built myself. Using the wmic path code to get the key worked on my old one but no longer on my new one. I look at what channel it is and it says OEM channel. Any idea why it’s like this?
@@kokakuu OEM licenses will still technically work, but after a few days the annoying watermark shows up... So if you get a new motherboard, you need to buy another copy of windows, or deal with the watermark, and not get all the updates.
I installed W10 onnhp system and during installation didn't ask for cdkey (as usual do) means I have a digital license in bios, how to activate this license plz?
Sorry, but I need help. So I have win10 licence and recently I bought a new pc with pre installed win11. I think it's omd version. In the right corner I have mark to go to activate the win. I have done everything like in this video but not working. What should I do?
if i have the key but not the original computer that first had the key activated on is there any other way to remove its association with the original pc to then put it on a new one?
Where exactly can I find a Windows 10 Pro Retail license key? I want to download and install Windows 10 onto a VM under ESXi so it needs to be portable in case of host failure.
Hello, i have 2 questions: will the apps that i have installed on my pc be transferred to the new pc when i activate the product key? For example if i have microsoft office on my current pc will it be available when i transfer the key? 2nd question is can i still use windows 10 on my old pc after i deactivate the key? Many thanks.
Need help, windows failed to load and couldn't be repaired, needed software files on drive, so installed new win10 on another drive, but in BIOS the boot drive is still the old one, if i put it to new drive can't find boot info. how can i transfer to new drive so i can format old drive now i have the files off it. They are both m.2 drives
I got a "error: 0xC004F025 access denied: the requested action requires elevated privileges". I checked and I'm the Local account Administrator. Do I need to be signed into Microsoft account?
does the PC you are transferring the license from need to be connected to the internet to reach Windows activation servers so that you can transfer it to the new PC without any issues?
If you buy OEM keys online it will be usable for only one motherboard. But I tried and it sometimes works on another computer if the key's registered mobo wasn't online for like 6 months.
The problem is my computer s cpu and mobo is broken, so I can't deactivate windows on that pc, is there anything else I can do, I have the full retail version with cd, thanks.
I have ratail key but it doesn't work. It is showing "not possible to activate because you dont have valid license". But if I type the key again on the old pc, it activates with no problem. Also my new pc is not showing up in connected devices to account but I'm logged in... oh. in the meantime I fixed it by selecting the old pc on the new one. Weirdly now both computers are activated with the same key. Don't know why. If it is multi-license key or something.
Okay ... so recently my computer died after a power failure ... would I be able to use my old key on a new machine ??? Or would I have to contact Microsoft about this I am not sure but from my understanding it should be possible to do if the computer has died and is replaced but since it is possible when just a part of the computer has failed I was just wondering if it would be the same case here
What if forgot to remove product key from old motherboard, and change to new motherboard? How should i do to deactivate without set up with old motherboard again(cause it will takes long time)
I have the actual Windows 10 Retail boxed product. The way I would transfer my OS to another PC is by simply installing it onto the new computer and not ever use the old computer again, or just keep the old computer off the internet.
Yes, I did it. Your OS is always activated as one product key. You're just running it on another PC, as long as you don't run both PC's at the same time with the same product key.
I’m trying this from a windows 10 with old board to a new board with windows 10 prompted to windows 11 upgrade. I followed the steps exactly and I’m still being told it’s not activated. However it’s successfully deactivated from my old board now
i have a OEM_DM key but i dont want to change device i just want to change my SSD, will i still be able to retain my licence after a fresh install of windows(i became insider, now i cant leave it for some reason on windows 11 and there are tons of bugs and i am running out of storage with the 128gb option)
i just want to know if cloning the existing SSD will transfer the licence ? , i will ofc disable the product key on my old SSD so it works on the new one
My Old Pc Is 7 years old 7700k and maximus ix hero Now old pc wont boot Im changing to 12400f and msi board How can i transfer key Ive bought retail key Which comes with pendrive and code I still have it How can i install key to new motherboard and cou8 Rest old same components are same
Dear Sir Brit09. If I had purchased a whole computer with Windows already installed, can I move Windows 10 to a new hard drive in the same computer box after deactivating from the prior drive?
I'm looking on how to transfer my windows 10 license to another computer and then i saw your video together with other two more videos of other people and i noticed that the partial licence of yours and mine as well as the other two are all identical. Infact, the other guy has the same as mine on his first five license key....how is it possible? Tnx
This should be very helpful to people who want to transfer windows 10 retail product key. Smash the LIKE Button 👍
Yes it's very helpful I like 👍🏻
My Windows 10 laptop was stolen in a burglary, so what can I do to re-install my authorized version on another computer?
1 question. when you type in the key, do you need the parentheses? These things --> ( ) I just want to do it right. Thanks.
@@jezeski2011 No. Do NOT include parentheses when doing these commands.
@@SupraManG Thank you
2 years later and this video is still very useful. Kudos to you and your channel Sir!
PERFECTLY Explained! Thank you very much for this video, I've just built my Wife and I a new PC each and I didn't know how to transfer the Licence Key in order to activate windows on them. Really appreciate your time put into this one. Many Thanks - Neil.
This is very handy especially when I retire an old computer, and want to install the key on a new build.
You're welcome
I'm retired and was struggling with how to do this. Really clear, great video. Well done. Have subscribed as this was a mega help
Clear and good steps, thank you! Your voiceover is also very pleasant to listen to.
Thank you. This was spot on . I watched other tutorials that show using Power Shell or command prompt and neither of those methods worked for me. Yours did. Thank you.
I found it much easier to load Ubuntu Linux onto my laptop than continue with Windows. It goes so much faster now, with no cost involved. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but sure works for me !
Dear Alfi409. Float your boat.
Thank you so much for this, I was ALMOST about to buy another copy but was curious and checked your video out!
Is there a way to know if the copy you have is from a Win 7 upgrade?
Adding this to my toolbox. Thanks Brian. I don't think that too many users know of this---I certainly did not ;o)
Glad to help
@@Britec09Dear youTuber, Please help me for my problem.. I have sold my Laptop to someone, Now he is saying I won't pay full amount, since this laptop don't have office, can i transfer my Product key? 😢😢😢
Sadly this doesn't seem to work anymore. It says in the settings that "you don't have a valid digital licens or product key" on my new motherboard
I have this problem. Have you found a solution?
@@berceel Nope. I bought a new key 😂
@@MrHandsomeStudios i couldnt find a solution so i just activated it with massgravel
Sheesh, the first few hours made me freakin nervous since I repeatedly trying to upgrade my Win 10 home to Pro in Cmd prompt. But then it worked, I just found a comment that try to upgrade your product key without connecting in your internet 😩 Thank you!
Thank you, Sir. Now, this tutorial has been very useful and knowledgeable to me. Saved me some money. I can now redo my gaming PC.👍👍👍👍💖💖💖💖
You're very welcome!
How do you still use this if the PC's MOBO that has the original retail key on it breaks and you can't deactivate it on that PC even though you have the retail license 25 digit key written down for it ?.
you my guru across the pond -- you are my magic wand.
just activated Win11 Pro by moving a Win10 Pro license
smooth as a cup-a-tea in the afternoon.
Bro can we transfer the windows 10 pro key to a win 11 pro using the win 10 pro key?
My "Windows Product Key" Just says: "Volume License (MAK/KMS)"
I ran the cmd slmgr -dli and it indicated that on two machines that they both had a Retail key. I then ran the utility mentioned in this video and it returned the generic key for Windows10 Pro that being VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
. This is the key that one can install on Windows10 to automatically select Windows10 Pro during install but will only temporarily activate Windows10. Both of these machines fall into category 1 aka upgraded from a retail copy of Windows7.
One can also issue the slmgr /dlv but even that does not provide any really useful information.
dude i have that same product key
I was struggling with this for a while. Apparently Free PC Audit does not report the correct product key. To get the correct product key, run cmd as admin and type the following command: "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey". Write down your product key, and then follow the rest of the instructions to uninstall it from your old pc, and install to your new pc.
I’m having issues, copied down the product key correctly, removed it from the registry like the video shows, installed new motherboard, processor, etc. went to put in product key, states it was invalid
Error: The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid. WHY???
I'm thinking you can transfer OEM keys as well. Sometime. Getting ready to attempt it here due to a failed motherboard. Not critical if it doesn't work however. Which brings up another issue with doing it the way you're explaining here. What if your motherboard dies and you can't do the CMD inputs from that system itself? MS does have the phone system that works too.
Just purchased a new laptop with windows 11 home. My previous laptop had windows 11 workstations which I purchased through the Microsoft store. How can install workstations on my new laptop? My Microsoft account only shows that I purchased it, but doesn't give me a serial number
I followed everything and have a retail key, in the cmd promt it said it installed successfully i restarted but it is still not activated and i get a 0x803fa067 error and troubleshooting does nothing?
I GOT THE SAME MESSAGE. The retail key worked on my old PC but not my new one; no clue why
i am just upgrading from hdd to ssd on the same laptop can i change and use the same oem key(which is the one i have) to the new ssd
Slight thing confuses me (don't take much) I gave this a try just in case i needed to do a component upgrade or something else that needs a new key, i tried free pc audit and it gave me the same key as someone had already posted further down, Windows product key|VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T , this is not the same as the key i entered when i activated windows, is there a reason for this? or does the activation just change your original product key to this one ending in 3V66T?
same
Thank you! You brought down to a few lines and 6 minutes what others mix into 20 minutes of bloviating.
Thanks for the video, but I'm a bit confused. Before I saw this video, on TechEmpty's channel he gave instructions on finding your license key using command prompt with the following command, "wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey". The problem is that when I use this command I get a license key, but when I use FreePCaudit I get a completely different license key. How do I know which license key is correct?
the one which matches with the partial key displayed with "slmgr -dli" in cmd is most likey the correct one
Is also necessary to have internet connected when removing the activation key from the old pc?
Super happy to find this, I got a new key and while my new computer was in the mail I tested my key out on the old comp :( , I was goin gto just change my key to a kms key without deactivating it.
I'm using an old PC with Windows 10 retail license, can I use that product key to activate a new computer with Windows 11?
Thank you for your knowledge Brian, I have learned a lot from your channel, your greatly appreciated!
Very welcome
Can confirm if you upgraded from a retail copy of Win 7 to Win 10 you can only transfer to a new Mobo 1 time. I just had to get another copy after I already used my one time transfer and could not do it again on a new pc.
perfectly explained, had to stop at 1:55 tho cus I had a OEM_DM key 😅
u are the greatest thanks for all u do helps me every time i only trust u for pc advice
Many Thanks Brian, from Brisbane Australia. Stay Safe Mate.
Thanks, you too!
Says 'slmgr' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. What's the fix?
l just used the key without deactivating it from my old computer and it worked fine, but i did wipe the hard drive and installed linux so that old computer wont ever connect to microsoft again
How were you able to do it? I tried to use my key (granted I was not connected to the internet yet because I said no to bloatware and having to sign in to microsoft, I prefer not to sync my computers) during the install of Windows 10 Home last night but it had a problem with my key. I haven't connected the new pc to the internet just yet but I'm guessing there's a chance that it might not work. Hopefully it does but if it doesn't I guess I need to get a new key somehow.
you might have had a Licence that CAN be used on multiple computers
@@perish1n that is the retail key it can be use on many computers as long as you are not logged on at the same time, if someone else used the same key 1 of us would get a warning from ms i am sure, I am not to sure if there is a maximum amount of times you can use it though
Thanks a ton..
I just followed your video and have updated my key
From what i can find online; it seems like OEM licenses CAN be transferred to another harddrive, and is only tied to the model of the motherboard of the computer it was originally installed on. If anyone knows more than me on this subject, then please correct me if im wrong.
But I was able to transfer windows 10 from my old prebuilt computer with windows already on it to my new pc that I built myself. Using the wmic path code to get the key worked on my old one but no longer on my new one. I look at what channel it is and it says OEM channel. Any idea why it’s like this?
@@kokakuu OEM licenses will still technically work, but after a few days the annoying watermark shows up... So if you get a new motherboard, you need to buy another copy of windows, or deal with the watermark, and not get all the updates.
I installed W10 onnhp system and during installation didn't ask for cdkey (as usual do) means I have a digital license in bios, how to activate this license plz?
Is this what I need to do if I'm moving or cloning my SSD with win 10 and all my files and programs already on it into a new build?
Sorry, but I need help.
So I have win10 licence and recently I bought a new pc with pre installed win11. I think it's omd version. In the right corner I have mark to go to activate the win.
I have done everything like in this video but not working.
What should I do?
I have a retail key but when I put in the wmic path code nothing shows up as if it’s an OEM key. Pls help
if i have the key but not the original computer that first had the key activated on is there any other way to remove its association with the original pc to then put it on a new one?
Always look forward to these vids deffo
Where exactly can I find a Windows 10 Pro Retail license key? I want to download and install Windows 10 onto a VM under ESXi so it needs to be portable in case of host failure.
So it won't work on OEM .. what if I transfer the HDD / SSD that has the OS already working ?
My product key looks to be a generic key, but when I do these commands my account is activated and it says I have a retail version. Any ideas?
How do you have the same partial key as me????
Thank you very much. i love a video on How to Transfer Your MS Office or MS Project License to Another Computer
do you only need to do this when upgrading your Motherboard or if I was to upgrade to a new hard drive?
Great tips as usual. Cheers!!
Thanks for watching!
Hello, i have 2 questions: will the apps that i have installed on my pc be transferred to the new pc when i activate the product key? For example if i have microsoft office on my current pc will it be available when i transfer the key? 2nd question is can i still use windows 10 on my old pc after i deactivate the key? Many thanks.
what if my prebuilt came with with a retail license can i use it on another computer. have not upgraded has the original winodw installation
so if my current pc has a retail license I am able to use the same license on my new pc if I deactivated it on the old one?
Yes...that's the entire point of having a retail license key.
So how do you even boot windows on the new PC in the first place (before the activation)?
Hi I have the 2nd product key you mention. Am I still ok to just reuse it on the same machine, ie a fresh install?
Need help, windows failed to load and couldn't be repaired, needed software files on drive, so installed new win10 on another drive, but in BIOS the boot drive is still the old one, if i put it to new drive can't find boot info. how can i transfer to new drive so i can format old drive now i have the files off it. They are both m.2 drives
I got a "error: 0xC004F025 access denied: the requested action requires elevated privileges". I checked and I'm the Local account Administrator. Do I need to be signed into Microsoft account?
does the PC you are transferring the license from need to be connected to the internet to reach Windows activation servers so that you can transfer it to the new PC without any issues?
If you buy OEM keys online it will be usable for only one motherboard. But I tried and it sometimes works on another computer if the key's registered mobo wasn't online for like 6 months.
It this still working?
Should I connect to the internet when I activate on new device?
not successful activation on my AMD processor
To the creator of this video I am building a new pc and you just saved me $170 AUD thanks so much
The problem is my computer s cpu and mobo is broken, so I can't deactivate windows on that pc, is there anything else I can do, I have the full retail version with cd, thanks.
I wonder if it will also be one time transfer for Windows 10 when you have upgraded to Windows 11
How do i know if my license was from original widows 7 that was upgraded to widows 10?
Do you have to do this while connected to the internet? How does the new PC verify that the keys have been deactivated on the old PC?
Thank you it worked flawlessly.
Thank you for this easy to understand tutorial. God bless 😊🙏🏻❤
I have ratail key but it doesn't work. It is showing "not possible to activate because you dont have valid license". But if I type the key again on the old pc, it activates with no problem. Also my new pc is not showing up in connected devices to account but I'm logged in... oh. in the meantime I fixed it by selecting the old pc on the new one. Weirdly now both computers are activated with the same key. Don't know why. If it is multi-license key or something.
I've been doing this for quite some time now since I do new installations. 👌
Fido 139. Please expound. Do you transfer from one to another, or just clean installations from a media disk/USB?
It is always smooth?
Okay ... so recently my computer died after a power failure ... would I be able to use my old key on a new machine ??? Or would I have to contact Microsoft about this
I am not sure but from my understanding it should be possible to do if the computer has died and is replaced
but since it is possible when just a part of the computer has failed I was just wondering if it would be the same case here
After deactivating and removing the key from the registry, for how long can you keep using the computer?
how do you take you deactivated key and put it in a dead laptop that just needs a os install
good video straight to the point good job!
What if forgot to remove product key from old motherboard, and change to new motherboard? How should i do to deactivate without set up with old motherboard again(cause it will takes long time)
my windows key seems to create error code 0xC004F211
cant seem to active my windows on the new machine
What if my new pc doesnt have windows 10 on it? I have lost my windows 10 disc but i still have the key
Thank you for this wonderful tweak...
Does this transfer windows itself over? Also how do I get to cmd on a new build w/ no OS
Nice one mate, worked without a hitch
Thanks
I have the same partial product key: 3V66T. Is that ok?
If I buy a PC off of Craigslist or FBM how would I know if it's a retail key or not?
I have the actual Windows 10 Retail boxed product. The way I would transfer my OS to another PC is by simply installing it onto the new computer and not ever use the old computer again, or just keep the old computer off the internet.
Dear N 310. Did you try this?
I believe you must deactivate the first (old) before using the new.
Yes, I did it. Your OS is always activated as one product key. You're just running it on another PC, as long as you don't run both PC's at the same time with the same product key.
Bit confused, is activation Linked to the PC or to your Microsoft account?
I’m trying this from a windows 10 with old board to a new board with windows 10 prompted to windows 11 upgrade. I followed the steps exactly and I’m still being told it’s not activated. However it’s successfully deactivated from my old board now
Didn't work for me, even though it was a Retail Key. Maybe because it was activated on a machine with an MS Account before?
i have a OEM_DM key but i dont want to change device i just want to change my SSD, will i still be able to retain my licence after a fresh install of windows(i became insider, now i cant leave it for some reason on windows 11 and there are tons of bugs and i am running out of storage with the 128gb option)
i just want to know if cloning the existing SSD will transfer the licence ? , i will ofc disable the product key on my old SSD so it works on the new one
Thanks for this. will be using it on my new m.2 nvme drive
Thanks brother, it worked!!
My Old Pc Is 7 years old
7700k and maximus ix hero
Now old pc wont boot
Im changing to 12400f and msi board
How can i transfer key
Ive bought retail key
Which comes with pendrive and code
I still have it
How can i install key to new motherboard and cou8
Rest old same components are same
Dear Sir Brit09. If I had purchased a whole computer with Windows already installed, can I move Windows 10 to a new hard drive in the same computer box after deactivating from the prior drive?
do we type the windows key during the setup of the new pc?
Thanks! The video was very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
thank you Britec something new that i did not know
Glad you learned something
I'm looking on how to transfer my windows 10 license to another computer and then i saw your video together with other two more videos of other people and i noticed that the partial licence of yours and mine as well as the other two are all identical. Infact, the other guy has the same as mine on his first five license key....how is it possible? Tnx
Does this also work for LTSC 2019?