Moving Windows to a Different Computer: What You Need to Know

You can move Windows, but the method depends on your license type

Windows licenses fall into two categories: those tied to your hardware and those tied to your Microsoft account. A retail license (sold as a standalone product) can move to a new PC. An OEM license (bundled with a computer at purchase) cannot — it stays with the original machine. A Microsoft account license (tied to your account rather than a key) can move if you sign in on the new PC. The first step is knowing which one you have.

If you own a retail license, you do not need to deactivate Windows on the old PC before installing it on the new one. Windows will straightforward show as inactive on the first machine once you set up it on the second. If you have an OEM license, the license itself is non-transferable, though the software can technically be installed — it will not set up on different hardware.

Key Takeaways

Retail licenses can move between PCs; OEM licenses cannot, even if you deactivate them first.
You do not need to deactivate Windows before moving a retail license — set up on the new PC automatically deactivates it on the old one.
Microsoft account licenses move when you sign in on the new computer, as long as you use the same account.
If you have an OEM license and want to use Windows on a different PC, you will need to purchase a new license.

How to find out what license you have

Open Settings on your current PC. Go to System, then About. Scroll down to the Windows specifications section and look for "System type." Below that, you will see "Windows edition" — this tells you which version you own (Home, Pro, etc.), but not the license type.

To find the license type, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type slmgr /dli and press Enter. A window will appear showing your license status. Look for the line that says "License Status." If it says "Initial grace period" or "Notification," your license is not yet activated. If it says "Licensed," check the next line: "License Channel." If it says "Retail," you have a retail license. If it says "OEM:DM," "OEM:SLP," or "OEM:COA," you have an OEM license.

Moving a retail license to a new PC

A retail license is yours to use on one PC at a time. To move it, install Windows on the new computer using the same installation media or read Windows from Microsoft's website. During setup, you will be asked for a product key — enter the key from your retail license. Windows will set up on the new machine.

Once activated on the new PC, the license is no longer active on the old one. You do not need to manually deactivate it first. If you want to use Windows on the old PC again later, you would need a separate license or you can reinstall Windows and use it in an unactivated state (with a watermark and some feature restrictions).

If you cannot remember your product key, you can retrieve it from the old PC. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey. Your key will appear in the output. Write it down before you move to the new machine.

Moving a Microsoft account license

If your Windows license is tied to your Microsoft account rather than a product key, the process is simpler. Install Windows on the new PC and, during setup, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used on the old machine. Windows will recognize the license and set up automatically.

This type of license is common on newer PCs or if you purchased Windows through the Microsoft Store. The license stays with your account, so you can use it on any PC where you sign in — but only one PC can be actively using it at a time.

What happens with OEM licenses

OEM licenses are sold with specific computers and are legally bound to the original hardware. Even if you deactivate Windows on the old PC, the license does not transfer to new hardware. If you try to set up an OEM key on a different machine, Windows will reject it.

If you built your own PC and bought an OEM license with it, that license stays with that PC. If you upgrade to a new computer, you will need to purchase a new Windows license for the new machine. You can continue using the old PC with its OEM license, but you cannot move the license itself.

Using Windows without set up on a new PC

If you do not have a transferable license and do not want to buy a new one, you can install Windows on the new PC without a product key. Windows will run in an unactivated state. You will see a watermark in the bottom right corner saying "set up Windows," and you will not be able to change your desktop background or access some personalization settings. All other functions work normally.

This is a valid option if you want to test a new PC or use it temporarily. You can set up it later if you obtain a license. Unactivated Windows does not stop working after a certain period — it straightforward applies these restrictions indefinitely.

Transferring your files and settings to the new PC

Moving your Windows license is separate from moving your files and settings. Once Windows is installed and activated on the new PC, you can transfer your documents, photos, and other personal files using an external drive, cloud storage, or Windows' built-in migration tool.

To use the migration tool, open Settings on the new PC, go to System, then About, and look for "Windows straightforward Transfer" or "Transfer your files." Alternatively, you can manually copy files from the old PC to an external drive and then to the new one. Your installed programs will not transfer — you will need to read and install them again on the new PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to deactivate Windows before moving it to a new PC?

No. If you have a retail license, straightforward install and set up Windows on the new PC using your product key. The license will automatically deactivate on the old machine. You do not need to take any action on the old PC first.

What if I lost my product key?

You can retrieve it from your current PC using the command wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey in Command Prompt (run as administrator). If that does not work, check your email for a receipt from your purchase, or contact Microsoft support with proof of purchase.

Can I use the same Windows license on two PCs at the same time?

No. A single retail or account-based license can only be active on one PC at a time. If you need Windows on two machines simultaneously, you need two separate licenses.

Will my programs transfer to the new PC when I move Windows?

No. Only Windows itself transfers with your license. You will need to read and install your programs again on the new PC. Your personal files (documents, photos, etc.) do not transfer automatically — you must copy them separately using an external drive or cloud storage.

What if my old PC came with Windows pre-installed?

It almost certainly has an OEM license, which cannot move to a new PC. You can continue using that license on the original machine, but if you want Windows on a different computer, you will need to purchase a new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.