A Windows license is tied to the hardware it was first activated on. When you upgrade to a new PC or replace a motherboard, Windows may show as unlicensed on the new device. Whether you can transfer the license at all depends on which type you have.
This guide walks through how to check your license type, link it to a Microsoft account on the old PC, and reactivate it on the new one. Before setting up the new machine, it is also worth confirming that it meets Windows 11 hardware requirements if that is the version you plan to run.
Windows License Types: Which Can You Transfer?
| License Type | Transferable? | Where It Comes From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | Yes | Microsoft Store or boxed purchase | Deactivate the old PC first, then activate on the new one using the troubleshooter |
| OEM | No | Pre-installed by the manufacturer | Permanently tied to the original hardware; cannot be moved to another device |
| Volume | Varies | Business licensing agreement | Transfer rules depend on the contract. Enterprise deployments are typically controlled through the Local Group Policy Editor |
If Windows came pre-installed on your PC from a manufacturer like Dell, HP, or Lenovo, it is almost certainly an OEM license and cannot be transferred. If you purchased Windows separately as a retail box or from the Microsoft Store, it is a retail license and the steps below apply.
Step 1 — Link Your License to a Microsoft Account (Old PC)
Linking your license to a Microsoft account stores it in the cloud and makes it portable. If you have already done this, skip to Step 2.
- Open the Settings app on your old PC by clicking the Start button, then the Settings gear icon.
- Select Update & Security.
Then select Activation.
- Click Add an account and sign in with your Microsoft account. Use the same account you plan to sign into on the new PC.
- Once signed in, your license is stored in that Microsoft account. You can now move to the new PC.
If you do not see Add an account, your license is already linked to a Microsoft account. Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 — Activate Windows on the New PC
Sign in to the same Microsoft account on your new PC first, then follow these steps.
- Open Settings on the new PC.
- Go to Update & Security.
Then select Activation.
- If Windows shows as unlicensed, click Troubleshoot.
- Select I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Choose the device you want to reactivate from the list, then click Activate.
If Activation Fails
The troubleshooter handles most retail license transfers automatically. If it fails, the most common reasons are: the license is OEM (non-transferable), it is already active on too many devices, or the hardware difference is too large for automatic reactivation to proceed.
In those cases, contact Microsoft Support directly — they can manually reactivate a valid retail license over chat or phone when you provide the product key. After the new PC is activated, make sure Windows Security is properly configured to protect it from the start.