Just bought a new PC and want to transfer your Windows license to it? Good news: it's entirely possible if you have a Retail license. At Fast Licenses, we explain how to do it legally and without losing your activation.
🔍 Which license is transferable?
First of all, you need to distinguish between Windows license types:
- 🟢 Retail License — Purchased separately, transferable to another PC
- 🔴 OEM License — Shipped with the computer, not transferable, tied to hardware
- 🔵 Volume License — For businesses, managed by an administrator, movable as per contract
If you bought your PC from a major retailer or a manufacturer, your license is probably OEM. To get a transferable license, purchase a Retail license from Fast Licenses.
🚀 Transfer your Windows license: step-by-step guide
Open a command prompt as administrator and type:
slmgr /cpky (clears the key from the registry)
then slmgr /upk (uninstalls the product key).
Download the Microsoft media creation tool from the official website. Create a bootable USB drive and install Windows on your new PC.
Go to Settings > System > Activation. Click "Change product key" and enter your Retail key.
If automatic activation fails, use the telephone activation assistant (free). Microsoft generally accepts legitimate transfers.
💰 Windows 2026 Retail license comparison
| Edition | Microsoft Price | Fast Licenses | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home Retail | €145 | From €25 | ✅ Yes |
| Windows 11 Pro Retail | €259 | From €35 | ✅ Yes |
| Windows 11 OEM (manufacturer) | PC included | — | ❌ No |
💡 Fast Licenses expert advice
If you regularly renew your computer fleet, invest in Retail licenses from the start. The price difference with OEM is quickly recouped as you can move the license with each PC change. For businesses, Volume (Open License) licenses offer even more flexibility. Contact us for a personalized quote.
"I followed the Fast Licenses guide to transfer my Windows 11 Pro license to my new laptop. It was done in 20 minutes, no extra cost. Support even answered my questions live!"
Julien M. — Independent Consultant, Paris⚠️ The 3 mistakes to avoid when transferring
An OEM license is technically tied to the CPU of the first PC. Microsoft will refuse it on different hardware.
The same key can only be active on one PC at a time. Always deactivate the license on the old one before activating the new one.
Some "€5" keys come from stolen accounts or are invalid. They work for a few days then are revoked. Always buy from Fast Licenses.
🔐 Why buy from Fast Licenses?
All Retail, transferable
Key by email in <5 min
Unlimited support included
Up to -80% vs Microsoft
📈 Fast Licenses in figures
Licenses sold
Customer satisfaction
Average delivery time
🛒 Our most popular Retail licenses
- 🖥️ Windows 11 Pro Retail — Transferable, instant activation
- 🖥️ Windows 11 Home Retail — Ideal for personal use
- 📊 Office 2021 Professional Plus — Complete office suite
- 🛡️ Kaspersky Internet Security — Optimal protection
🚀 Need a Retail license for your new PC?
Official and transferable Windows licenses. Delivered by email in less than 5 minutes.
See our Retail licenses →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Windows license be transferred from one PC to another?
Yes, but only if you have a Retail license. OEM licenses are permanently tied to the first PC on which they were activated.
How do I deactivate Windows on the old PC before transferring?
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key, then deactivate the license. You can then reactivate it on the new PC.
What if Windows refuses to activate on the new PC?
Contact Microsoft support by phone (option 1 in the activation assistant) and explain that you have changed PCs. Activation is usually granted quickly.
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This article was written by the Fast Licenses team — software license experts since 2020.
Keywords: transfer windows license, move windows key, windows migration new pc · © 2026 Fast Licenses
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