How do I Transfer Windows 7 License to Different Computer?
Microsoft provides a 25-digit alphanumeric product key code (i.e.- Product Key: xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) to activate Windows. In addition, do you know that you can move or transfer Windows 7 license to a new computer?
A Windows license is a kind of proof or authorization to you by Microsoft that you can use their software program for a limited time until that license expires.
As you paid to Microsoft for a Windows license, you are eligible to get all updates to Windows 7 (released by Microsoft) to make your PC functional, safe and secure.
Caution: However, this tutorial has been tested and works fine for us. Still, with Microsoft and your OEM license, there are a number of different laws on whether you are allowed to use your existing license on a new PC.
So, follow this tutorial at your own risk and backup your old computer data before you initiate any command given below.
How to Move Windows 7 License or an Activation Key?
Do you know that you can move or transfer Windows 7 license/product key to your new computer easily?
If you are planning to sell or recycle an old computer, you may want to transfer your Windows license and use it on a new PC instead of paying for a new license.
On the other hand, if you are not planning to use an old computer, there are a few steps by which you can disable your license from an existing computer desktop or a laptop and install it to a new computer.
You can install Windows 7 by your own and then install the old license or product key on your new Windows machine.
[Read: How to Install Windows 7 (Step-by-Step)]
First, Disable or Uninstall Windows 7 License in Old PC
Step 1. Go to the Windows 7 search box and type, cmd.
Right-click on the cmd or command prompt (depending on your screen results) and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. A Windows command prompt (admin) screen will appear.
Type the command slmgr /dlv and hit the Keyboard Enter button.
Step 3. Once you have initiated the given command at the above step, you will see a Windows Script Host screen appear.
This shows you the Windows licensing information on your Windows 7. Make a note of the Activation ID somewhere (don’t miss a single character on the activation ID).
Step 4. Now, go back to the command prompt (admin) screen and type in another command slmgr /upk Your Activation ID and hit the Keyboard Enter button.
Within a quick few seconds, you will see a new message on the screen that shows you that the message – Uninstalled product key successfully.
By this way, we have successfully disabled the activation of Windows 7 on this computer.
Right away you will get a notification to the bottom right of your screen that the The copy of Windows is not genuine.
For confirmation, check your system properties. Press the hotkeys, Win + Pause and see Windows activation status.
Second, Activate or Install Windows 7 License/Product Key to New PC
Go to your new computer. I am sure, you must have installed Windows 7 so far. If not, download and install Windows 7 for free with this link.
The easiest way to transfer windows 7 license or activate Windows 7 license is to use the command prompt (admin).
Follow the steps given below:
Step 1. Navigate to Windows 7 search box and type in cmd.
Right-click on cmd or command prompt and select Run as administrator to launch the command prompt.
Step 2. Type the command slmgr /ipk Your Activation ID and hit the Enter button to install the product key on this new machine.
Note: Activation ID should be the same as what you have noted down from your old computer.
A message box will appear with the message Installed product key xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx successfully.
Still, if you have a trouble to activate or install Windows activation, suggest you use Windows 7 Loader to activate.