How to Transfer Windows 11 License to New PC

How to Check Windows Activation Status

Before and after transferring Windows licenses, you need to check the activation status of your Windows on both the old PC and the new PC. You can do this in the following ways:

• Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation. You’ll see information about your edition, version, and activation status of Windows. If your Windows is already active, you’ll see Windows is activated or Windows is activated with a digital license. If your Windows isn’t active yet, you’ll see Windows is not activated or Activate Windows. You’ll also see the option to activate Windows by using a product key or Microsoft account.
• Open Command Prompt and type the command slmgr -xpr. You will see a pop-up window displaying the activation status of your Windows. If your Windows is already active, you should see the words The machine is permanently activated. If your Windows isn’t active yet, you’ll see The machine is not activated.

How to Transfer Windows License to New PC

Once you know your Windows license type, transfer terms and restrictions, and your Windows activation status, you can perform a Windows license transfer to a new PC by using one of the following methods:

Through a Microsoft Account

This method is the most convenient and practical method to transfer Windows licenses to a new PC, especially if you have already connected your Microsoft account with your Windows license on the old PC. Here are the steps:

1. Make sure you’re signed in to your Microsoft account on both your old PC and your new PC. If you haven’t already, you can create a Microsoft account for free here.
2. On your old PC, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation. In the Windows,
   • If you see Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you’ve already associated your Microsoft account with your Windows license. You can skip ahead to step 3.
   • If you see Windows is activated with a digital license, you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows license. You can click Add an account and enter your Microsoft account email and password. After that, you will see the words Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
3. On your old PC, go to Command Prompt and type the command slmgr -upk. This command removes the Windows product key from the old PC and makes it inactive. You can also remove your Microsoft account from your old PC if you wish to do so.
4. On your new PC, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation. In the Windows,
   • If you see Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you have successfully transferred your Windows license to a new PC. You don’t need to do the next step.
   • If you see Windows is not activated or Activate Windows, you need to activate your Windows license on your new PC. You can click on Troubleshoot and select the option I changed hardware on this device recently. After that, you will be asked to log into your Microsoft account and select a new PC from the list of devices connected to your account. Check the box This is the device I’m using right now and click Activate. If the process is successful, you will see Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.