Early this year I took the advantage of the free upgrade from Microsoft, upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 on my old computer. It was good and I like it. Recently I purchased a new computer to replace the old one, and without the Windows license which I planned to just use the one from my old computer. And it is possible!
But before that, I will need to check whether the license is transferable or not. Windows license can only be transfer if you purchase the retails license. Those OEM license which usually pre-installed in a computer is NOT transferable and can be used only on the device it was originally installed on. Take note on that.
So now lets check the type of the Windows license. Open the command prompt and type : slmgr.vbs /dli.
The command will launch a Windows Script Host window. If it says RETAIL Channel, you can continue transferring the license to your new device. If it says OEM Channel, you cannot transfer the license.
Next, you need to locate and know the product key of the Windows license. It should be on the sticker of the license that you purchased. If you lost it, you can use third party software such as ShowKeyPlus from Microsoft to retrieve it.
Once you done that, then you need to deactivate the license on the old computer first. To do that, open command prompt and type : slmgr /upk
This will deactivate the license associated with that computer, and you should receive a confirmation message.
You will also need to clear the product key from the windows registry. To do that, open command prompt and type : slmgr /cpky
Now you can proceed with the license transfer. On the new computer, open command prompt and type : slmgr.vbs /ipk (followed by a space), and then type in or paste your 25-character product key. You will receive a confirmation message once the product key is accepted.
Finally, activate your Windows 11 license by typing or copy & paste this command: slmgr /ato and hitting Enter. You would get a confirmation message if the activation were successful.
Another way to activate the license it by contacting Microsoft. To do that, open the command prompt and type : slui 4. The command will launch a new Windows Activation window. Just follow the instructions and Microsoft will guide you accordingly.
That’s it. Good luck.