To remove the product key on Windows 10, use these steps: You only have to remove the license from the system, and then you can apply the same key on the new computer. On a computer with a retail license of Windows 10, you can transfer the product key to a new device. How to transfer a product key to a new PC on Windows 10 Also, if you upgraded to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 10 Home by purchasing the upgrade through the Microsoft Store, you can transfer the license to a new computer because the product key will be converted into a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.

In this case, the product key is not transferable, and you are not allowed to use it to activate another device. If you have a computer pre-installed with Windows 10, such as a Surface Laptop 4 or a Dell XPS 13, you are dealing with an 'OEM' license.

The only problem is that sometimes, you may still encounter activation errors, which you may not resolve until you contact Microsoft support directly and explain the situation. Generally speaking, you do not have a limit on the number of times you can transfer a license as long as you deactivate the previous installation, so you're not using the same product key on more than one system. If you plan to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 with a retail copy, you can also move the product key to another device. This is the only form of nag you’ll see - there are no pop-up windows, for example.If you purchased a Retail license of Windows 10 (opens in new tab), you are entitled to transfer the product key to another computer. Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. You’ll also see a “Windows isn’t activated. First, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Initially, you won’t notice a difference.

These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer. However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn’t have many restrictions. RELATED: How Does Windows Activation Work?Īfter you’ve installed Windows 10 without a key, it won’t actually be activated. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. When you select this option, you’ll be able to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” Bear in mind that, if you plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so you may want to install the Home version.

Windows 10 digital license