Moving Your Windows 11 License to Another Computer
1. Verify Your License Type
- Retail keys can be transferred.
- OEM keys are tied to the original hardware—not transferable.
- Digital entitlement licenses link to your Microsoft account and may auto-reactivate on new hardware.
2. Extract Your Product Key
Open an Administrator Command Prompt and run:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
If that returns blank, try in PowerShell (Admin):
(Get-WmiObject -Query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
If still blank, you likely have a digital-only license—no key is needed; just sign in on the new PC with your Microsoft account.
3. De-register on the Old PC
In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
slmgr.vbs /upk
This uninstalls the key from the old machine, freeing up the license.
4. Install & Activate on the New PC
Option A: Command Line
Open Admin Command Prompt and run:
slmgr.vbs /ipk YOUR-25-CHAR-KEY-HERE
slmgr.vbs /ato
Option B: Settings UI
Go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key, paste your key, and follow the prompts.
If activation fails, confirm you have a Retail license (Settings > System > Activation) or contact Microsoft support for a manual transfer.

