Transferring your Windows 11 digital entitlement can be necessary when you want to move your license from one device to another. This process is especially helpful if you upgraded your hardware or bought a new PC. Understanding how to do this correctly ensures your Windows stays activated without issues.
Windows 11 uses a digital license linked to your Microsoft account or hardware. This means you don’t need to enter a product key every time you install or activate the system. However, transferring this license requires some specific steps to avoid activation problems.
This guide will walk you through a simple, step-by-step process to transfer your digital entitlement smoothly. Each instruction is explained in the easiest way possible, so even beginners can follow along.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to move your Windows 11 activation to a new machine or after hardware changes without losing your digital license.
Quick Note: What You Need Before Transferring
- Microsoft Account: Ensure your Windows 11 license is linked to your Microsoft account. This makes the transfer process much easier.
- Windows 11 Pro or Home: Digital license transfer mainly applies to retail licenses, not OEM licenses that come pre-installed on many devices.
- Deactivate Old Device: It’s good practice to uninstall or deactivate Windows on the old device to avoid activation conflicts.
- Internet Connection: You need an active internet connection on the new device for activation.
Step 1: Verify Your Windows 11 License Type and Link
Before starting the transfer, check if your Windows 11 license is linked to your Microsoft account. This connection allows you to reactivate Windows on a new device easily.
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Navigate to System > Activation.
- Look for the message that says “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.”
If you see this message, you’re ready to proceed. If not, sign in with your Microsoft account or link it by clicking Add an account in the activation settings.
Step 2: Deactivate Windows on Your Old Device
To avoid conflicts, it’s important to remove the digital license from your old computer. This step isn’t mandatory but highly recommended when moving your license.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command and press
Enter:
slmgr.vbs /upkThis command uninstalls the product key from your old device, freeing it up for use elsewhere.
Step 3: Install Windows 11 on Your New Device
If Windows 11 is not yet installed on your new computer, you’ll need to set it up. You can download the official installation media from Microsoft’s website.
- Use the Windows 11 download page to create a bootable USB drive.
- Follow the installation prompts and connect your device to the internet during setup.
Make sure to skip entering a product key during installation so you can activate later using your digital license.
Step 4: Activate Windows 11 on the New Device
Once Windows 11 is installed and you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, you can activate your license.
- Go to Settings > System > Activation.
- Click on Activate if Windows is not already activated.
- If activation fails automatically, click Troubleshoot to open the Activation troubleshooter.
- Select I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- Choose the device you want to activate Windows on from the list shown.
- Click Activate to complete the process.
This method works because your digital license is tied to your Microsoft account, and the troubleshooter helps link the license to your new hardware.
Alternative Method: Reactivate Using Product Key
If you have a product key instead of a digital license or want to use one, you can enter it manually.
- Open Settings > System > Activation.
- Click on Change product key.
- Enter your 25-character product key and click Next.
- Follow the prompts to activate Windows.
This method is useful if your license is not linked to a Microsoft account or if you want to use a different key.
FAQs About Transferring Windows 11 Digital Entitlement
Can I transfer a Windows 11 license from an old PC to a new one?
Yes, if your license is a retail license linked to your Microsoft account. OEM licenses usually cannot be transferred.
What if Windows 11 activation fails on the new device?
Try running the Activation troubleshooter and ensure you’re signed in to the same Microsoft account used previously.
Is it necessary to uninstall the license from the old device?
While not mandatory, uninstalling the license helps prevent activation conflicts and keeps your license compliant.
Can I transfer a Windows 11 Pro license to a Windows 11 Home edition?
No, the license must match the edition installed on your new device.
How many times can I transfer my digital entitlement?
Microsoft does not specify a strict limit, but frequent transfers may trigger activation restrictions.
When Nothing Works: Final Options
If you still cannot activate Windows 11 after following all steps, consider these options:
- Contact Microsoft Support directly for personalized activation help: Microsoft Support.
- Ensure your hardware changes are supported and your license type allows transfer.
- Consider purchasing a new Windows 11 license if your current one is non-transferable.
Conclusion
Transferring your Windows 11 digital entitlement is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Linking your license to a Microsoft account simplifies activation on a new device. Remember to deactivate the old device to prevent conflicts, and use the Activation troubleshooter if problems arise.
Whether you’re upgrading your PC or moving to a new one, these instructions will help you keep your Windows 11 activated without hassle. Always verify your license type and keep your Microsoft account credentials handy to ensure a smooth transfer.