windows 10 Transferring Windows 10 Licenses

[GodOfKnockers]

I got a new PC from a friend of mine and I plan to install Windows 10 on it, and I want to give the one I have to a family member. Is there any way to transfer the license key from this PC to the new one? My copy of Windows 10 was activated via a digital license connected to my Microsoft account. 

 

If I have to buy new keys that's fine, I just want to know if I can transfer the activation from one PC to another.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Pandur]

That depends entirely on what kind of Windows license key you have. Currently the answer to your question can be yes, no or maybe.

[OhioYJ]

23 minutes ago, GodOfKnockers said:

If I have to buy new keys that's fine, I just want to know if I can transfer the activation from one PC to another.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

Did you buy the key from Microsoft? Where did the key come from is it a retail key or OEM keys. Technically OEM keys are tied to hardware, Retail keys can be transferred. That being said Microsoft tends to turn a blind eye to transferring even OEM keys generally, and they still activate.

 

I bought all my keys directly from Microsoft, and they are tied to my Microsoft account. When I build a new PC, I remove the old PC from my account, use the key on the new PC no problems. 

[GodOfKnockers]

8 minutes ago, OhioYJ said:

Did you buy the key from Microsoft? Where did the key come from is it a retail key or OEM keys. Technically OEM keys are tied to hardware, Retail keys can be transferred. That being said Microsoft tends to turn a blind eye to transferring even OEM keys generally, and they still activate.

 

I bought all my keys directly from Microsoft, and they are tied to my Microsoft account. When I build a new PC, I remove the old PC from my account, use the key on the new PC no problems. 

I got windows 10 activation via digital license. The free upgrade when Windows 10 came out in 2015 That license is connected to my Microsoft account. 

[Zando_]

7 minutes ago, GodOfKnockers said:

I got windows 10 activation via digital license. The free upgrade when Windows 10 came out in 2015 That license is connected to my Microsoft account. 

Do a clean install of Windows on the old PC, sign in to your account on your new one, should pull the license over. Always has for me, I use a W10 pro I got on eBay for $7 a few years ago, always seems to sync over with my account just fine.