How Does This Work?

[4eyeguy]

I have an existing computer with windows 10 and am going to build a new one with windows 11. Can I take my existing windows 10 key and use it to activate windows 11 for my new pc?

 

[leclod]

It depends on the key.

I propose to activate your current installation online. Joining that licence to your Microsoft account.

Then, later, in Windows 11 you'll recall your account and with it, your licence .

(not sure any more this is a thing, I might be mixing things up. I did join the Office licence though)

 

or you're supposed to deactivate your Win10 licence, install Win11 and then activate your Win11 licence ?

 

But if you've got one of those clean printed ones, then it should just work (worst case, contact Microsoft).

Edited January 9, 2024 by leclod

[venomtail]

As said above, depends on the key. If it's a cheap $20 reseller key it's a one time use. If you've paid up all $200 for a "full" key from Microsoft you'll deactivate your old computer and use said key you extracted from current PC into new one.