F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Move the Windows license to your new device.

Move the Windows license to your new device.

Move the Windows license to your new device.

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MikeDragon159
Senior Member
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661
06-17-2021, 02:50 AM
#1
I purchased Windows 8 a long time ago and continue using the same PC without ever needing to enter a license key again, even after reinstalling. Now I'm using Windows 11 with the same key, but I'm facing an issue since I no longer have the original key. In the Windows 11 activation status, it says "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account." Does this mean I just need to log in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC and can use it without entering the key again? Or do I still have to provide the original key? Also, is there anything I should do on the old PC before transferring if it's possible without needing the original key?
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MikeDragon159
06-17-2021, 02:50 AM #1

I purchased Windows 8 a long time ago and continue using the same PC without ever needing to enter a license key again, even after reinstalling. Now I'm using Windows 11 with the same key, but I'm facing an issue since I no longer have the original key. In the Windows 11 activation status, it says "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account." Does this mean I just need to log in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC and can use it without entering the key again? Or do I still have to provide the original key? Also, is there anything I should do on the old PC before transferring if it's possible without needing the original key?

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Fred10244
Posting Freak
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937
07-08-2021, 02:16 AM
#2
For an official OEM license, transfer isn't possible. With a digital license, you simply log in using your Microsoft account and complete activation—verification will follow.
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Fred10244
07-08-2021, 02:16 AM #2

For an official OEM license, transfer isn't possible. With a digital license, you simply log in using your Microsoft account and complete activation—verification will follow.

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anima_messorem
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106
07-08-2021, 02:38 AM
#3
I purchased Windows 8 separately from the local store; it wasn't installed on the PC originally. Should I remove the license from my previous computer before transferring? I confirmed via the command prompt that it's a "Retail channel."
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anima_messorem
07-08-2021, 02:38 AM #3

I purchased Windows 8 separately from the local store; it wasn't installed on the PC originally. Should I remove the license from my previous computer before transferring? I confirmed via the command prompt that it's a "Retail channel."

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crazyant
Member
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165
07-09-2021, 07:16 PM
#4
Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 10/11 required Microsoft to replace the original key. Once linked to your Microsoft account, you no longer need the key. Just bypass the activation during setup and handle it afterward.
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crazyant
07-09-2021, 07:16 PM #4

Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 10/11 required Microsoft to replace the original key. Once linked to your Microsoft account, you no longer need the key. Just bypass the activation during setup and handle it afterward.

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