Moving to a new computer and want to bring over the Windows licence you already paid for? In many cases you can, completely legally. Whether you can comes down to one detail: the type of licence. Here's how to do it.
1First things first: Retail or OEM?
Only Retail licences are transferable. If your copy of Windows came pre-installed on the old PC by the manufacturer, it's almost certainly OEM and stays tied to that machine. If you bought it separately, it's Retail and you can move it.
2Deactivate on the old PC
First, remove the link from the old computer. You can uninstall the product or, more simply, avoid using both machines with the same key: a Retail licence can be active on only one PC at a time.
3Reactivate on the new PC
On the new computer, open Settings and go to System > Activation (Update & Security > Activation on Windows 10). Choose ‘Change product key’, type your key and confirm. If Windows asks for an extra check, press Win+R and type slui 4: this opens Windows' guided telephone activation wizard. Complete it by selecting United Kingdom.
4If activation won't go through
If you get an error, it's usually because the licence still appears active elsewhere or the version doesn't match. Make sure you're using the same Windows edition and, if needed, contact us: we'll walk you through it.
5In short
Retail licence? You can transfer it: free it from the old PC and reactivate it on the new one with your key. OEM licence? It stays put. If you're unsure which type you have, our support can tell you in minutes.
