How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive

Table of contents:

How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive
How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive
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This article explains how to transfer your Windows 10 license to another computer. This allows you to use the copy of Windows you already purchased on a new hard drive.

Steps

Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 1
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 1

Step 1. Find out if your Windows 10 license can be transferred

There are some restrictions that limit license transfers:

  • If you have upgraded a purchased copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you can transfer your license (but only once).
  • If you have a purchased full copy of Windows 10, you can transfer it as many times as you like.
  • If you upgraded a copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 pre-installed by your computer manufacturer, you can't transfer the Windows 10 license.
  • If you upgraded Windows 10 using the Easy Upgrade feature of the Windows 10 Pro package, you can transfer the digital license you received.
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 2
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 2

Step 2. Remove the license from the original computer

An easy way to do this is to uninstall the product key. Here's how to do it:

  • Press ⊞ Win + x.
  • Click on Command promp (administrator).
  • Type slmgr.vbs / upk in the command prompt.
  • Hit enter. This removes the license from Windows, freeing it for use on another system.
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 3
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 3

Step 3. Install Windows on the new PC

When you install Windows, you will be asked to enter the product key. Here's how to do it:

  • Select "I don't have a product key" (if you didn't buy Windows 10 in-store, in case you should enter your product key now).

  • Select the OS version for your license.

    • If you are transferring a Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, or Windows 8.1 Core license, select Windows 10 Home.
    • If you are transferring a Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate, or Windows 8.1 Pro license, select Windows 10 Pro.
  • Complete the installation. Once the Windows installation is finished, your computer desktop will appear.
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 4
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 4

Step 4. Press ⊞ Win + R

Do this when Windows has been installed and the desktop appears. The Run window will open.

Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 5
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 5

Step 5. Type slui.exe and press Enter.

The Activation Wizard will open.

Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 6
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 6

Step 6. Select your country and click Next

A phone number and installation ID will appear on the screen.

Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 7
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 7

Step 7. Call the phone number and provide the installation ID

The operator on the phone will check the product code and give you a confirmation number.

Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 8
Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive Step 8

Step 8. Click Enter Confirmation ID to complete the installation

Enter the confirmation code as directed by the on-screen instructions to activate Windows.

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