If you’re upgrading your PC or replacing old hardware, you might be wondering whether you can move your existing Windows license instead of buying a new one. The good news is that license transfer is supported in many cases—provided your license type allows it.
In this guide, we’ll explain which Windows 11 licenses are transferable, how to check your license type, and the exact steps to move your Windows 11 license to another computer safely.
Can You Transfer a Windows 11 License?
Before doing anything, you need to know what type of license you have on Windows 11.
Transferable Licenses
You can transfer Windows 11 if you have:
- Retail license (purchased from Microsoft Store or a retail key)
- Digital license linked to a Microsoft account (originally retail)
Non-Transferable Licenses
You cannot transfer Windows 11 if you have:
- OEM license (preinstalled on laptops/desktops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.)
- Volume licenses (enterprise-managed systems)
OEM licenses are permanently tied to the first motherboard they’re activated on.
1. Check Your Windows 11 License Type
- Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and press Enter. - Run:
slmgr /dli - Look for:
- Retail → transferable
- OEM_DM / OEM → not transferable
If it says Retail, you’re good to proceed.
2. Link Your License to a Microsoft Account (Recommended)
Linking makes reactivation much easier on the new PC.
- Open Settings → Accounts → Your info.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Go to Settings → System → Activation.
- Confirm it says:
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account
If already linked, you can skip this step.
3. Deactivate Windows on the Old Computer
Windows doesn’t have a visible “Deactivate” button, but you can remove the product key.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run:
slmgr /upk - Restart the old PC.
This removes the license from that machine.
4. Install Windows 11 on the New Computer
On the new PC:
- Install Windows 11 normally using USB or installation media.
- When asked for a product key:
- Click I don’t have a product key
- Complete installation.
Windows will activate later using your account or key.
5. Activate Windows 11 on the New Computer
Activate Using Microsoft Account (Digital License)
- Open Settings → System → Activation.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Select I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select the old PC from the device list.
- Click Activate.
This is the easiest method.
Activate Using Product Key. If you have a retail key:
- Open Settings → System → Activation.
- Click Change product key.
- Enter your 25-character retail key.
- Activate Windows.
6. Confirm Activation Status
- Go to Settings → System → Activation.
- Confirm:
- Windows is activated
Your license is now successfully transferred.
Wrapping Up
Transferring a Windows 11 license to another computer is completely supported if your license is Retail or a digital license linked to a Microsoft account. By checking the license type, unlinking it from the old PC, and reactivating it on the new system, you can move Windows without spending extra money.
If you upgrade PCs often, always choose Retail licenses—they give you full flexibility for future hardware changes.
