How to Transfer a Windows 10 Pro License to a New Laptop
The process for transferring a Windows 10 Pro license to a new laptop varies depending on the type of license you have. This article will guide you through the proper procedure, addressing both Retail keys and OEM versions, and provide helpful tips for maintaining a valid and functional system.
Retail License Transfer Process
If you purchased a Retail key for Windows 10 Pro, you are fortunate because this type of key is transferable. Here’s how you can transfer it to a new laptop:
Backup Your System: Ensure that all important files are backed up to a secure location, such as a cloud storage service or an external hard drive. Install the New Hardware: Assemble your new laptop and install it with your previous hardware and preferred configurations. Remove the License from the Old Laptop: Open the Settings app, go to Update Security, and select Activation. Click on Change product key and enter the product key of your old laptop. This will deactivate your existing Windows 10 installation. Install Windows 10: Insert the Windows 10 installation media into the new laptop and start the installation process. During the installation, the new laptop should prompt you with your Retail key to complete the setup. Activate the New Installation: Once the installation is complete, activate your Windows 10 installation by following the on-screen prompts or by using the Activation option within the Settings app.OEM Version Limitations
The OEM version of Windows 10 is not transferable. This means that if your initial purchase came with a pre-installed Windows 10 Pro license, you cannot move this license to another laptop. However, if your installation is clean and you want to reinstall the same version of Windows 10 on the new laptop, you can do so with the following steps:
Backup Your Data: Ensure that all important files are backed up to a safe location. Backup Windows Installation: Using appropriate software, create a backup of your complete Windows installation on a USB drive or external hard drive. Install the New Hardware: Assemble your new laptop and install it with your previous hardware and configurations. Install Windows 10: During the Windows 10 setup, choose to Install Now and proceed with the reinstallation process. Restore Your Data: After the installation completes, use the previously created backup to restore your data to the new laptop.Obtaining a New Windows 10 Pro License
If you need to obtain a new Windows 10 Pro license, you can purchase it from Microsoft’s authorized partners, such as SoftkeyWorld. This ensures that you are obtaining a legitimate and functional license for your new laptop.
Conclusion
Transferring a Windows 10 Pro license to a new laptop requires either a transferable Retail key or a clean reinstallation with a backup, if you have the original OEM version. Always ensure that you follow the proper steps to avoid activation errors and maintain a valid and functional system.