New device. Operating system preference: 10 over 11
New device. Operating system preference: 10 over 11
Hello everyone, I am preparing to place an order for a new computer. By default ("for testing"), they will install Windows 11 Pro.
On my current PC, I already have Win10 Home (OEM). I gave the key of my Windows and asked them to transfer my license to the new machine, but they said it’s not possible. Chatgpt confirms this.
🔄 Steps to transfer and upgrade:
Check your license type
If it says Retail, you’re ready to transfer. If it says OEM, it’s linked to your existing hardware and can’t be moved.
I thought Windows 10 users don’t need a new license, so I’m unsure what to do next. Should I buy another license or delete the old Pro version before getting the new PC and then reinstalling Win10 myself? No clear answer. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
On my current PC I already have Win10 Home (OEM).
OEM license keys are linked to the motherboard's BIOS chip, so transferring them won't work.
What's the best way forward?
Purchase a new OS license key for your new system.
Do I need to buy 11 or can I manually remove these 11 pro before receiving the new PC and then reinstall Win10 myself, updating it later?
How much do people charge when installing the OS? Do you really need Pro?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/...ns#tabs1-2
Initially, transferring the license is generally straightforward, not complicated, and should maintain the same version. Home upgrades usually work as expected, but since it doesn’t match the original key, Pro to Home won’t be reliable. Clearing the drive and reinstalling W10H might be necessary if the key is valid, though OEM suggests it came from a prebuilt unit—this assumption may not hold. You can buy genuine "OEM" keys from sites like Newegg or MicroCenter for those who build their own systems. Usually, these keys don’t transfer well and hardware changes before deactivation can cause problems. The retail key offers more flexibility, possibly addressing current limitations. Moving forward, W10 won’t receive support and may face driver and security challenges quickly. It’s better to switch to a skin or adapt to version 11.
They install the pro version only if I don't purchase any license at all.
But if I decide to buy OS, then I can choose... The cheapest option is 11 home OEM = 90 euros. There are no retail options available in my case.
It seems that my OEM isn't transferable (it was pre-installed on the PC when I bought it - I paid for its license). I was a bit upset to have to pay again now for 11. I didn't understand what OEM meant at the time.
It looks like they thought when they release win12, I would have to buy it again if I change the PC. Damn MS...
Is it correct then... that if my current motherboard breaks... I would lose my Windows as well??
Weird..
There isn't any good reason to buy windows 11 Pro unless you really need the extra ( lololol) Security or a specific feature.
have you tried reinstalling with just your version of windows 10 and do all the updates?
For "testing", they need either a functional temporary shop license or an unactivated one. That's correct. And yes, your existing OEM license can't be transferred to new hardware. Where did you obtain this Win 10 license? Win 11 Pro? Unless you absolutely require the advanced corporate features, Win 11 Home will suffice. No noticeable performance impact.
Regarding purchasing...
What is the total cost of the PC? A standard retail Win 11 home costs about $100, which could be around 10% of the overall system price.
Attached to the original hardware (motherboard), this item is generally not transferable. It is usually included when setting up a new PC or purchased alongside a device. When bought separately, it can be moved to another system and often supports reinstallation.
Launch a command prompt and type the specified command. A brief window will appear, displaying information about the Product Key Channel next to it. Common entries include OEM, Retail, Volume. OEM indicates the license is linked to the hardware (motherboard + CPU), making it non-transferable. Retail means the license was bought separately and can be used on any PC, but only one at a time. Volume refers to a volume licensing agreement, restricted to businesses; using it on a home PC may violate Microsoft rules. If your Windows 10 license is OEM, you cannot transfer it. With Retail, you can transfer it, but activation is limited to a single PC. For the new PC with Windows 11, avoid simply activating it—consider a clean installation instead, as testing systems might lack proper setup or drivers.