How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive: 8 Steps

Table of contents:

How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive: 8 Steps
How to Transfer Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive: 8 Steps
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This wikiHow teaches you how to transfer your Windows 10 license and product key to a new computer. This will allow you to use your purchased copy of Windows Retail or Easy Upgrade 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. Determine if your Windows 10 license can be transferred

There are some restrictions when transferring the license:

  • If you upgraded from a previous version of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you will be able to transfer your license (but only once).
  • If you have a full copy of Windows 10, you can transfer it as many times as you want.
  • If you upgraded from a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 OEM (pre-installed by the computer manufacturer), your Windows 10 license cannot be transferred.
  • If you upgraded using Easy Upgrade to the Windows 10 Pro package from Windows 10, you will be able to transfer the license using Digital Licensing.
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 by uninstalling the product key. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Press ⊞ Win + x.
  • Click on Command Prompt (Run as administrator).
  • Type slmgr.vbs / upk in the window.
  • Press ↵ Enter. This will erase the Windows license, freeing it up for use on another computer.
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 a product key. This is what you have to do:

  • Select I don't have a product key (unless you bought Windows 10 from the store, in which case you can enter that product key right away).
  • Select the version for which your license is.

    • If you are transferring a Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, or Windows 8.1 Core license, select Windows 10 Home.
    • If you are transferring from Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate, or Windows 8.1 Pro, select Windows 10 Pro.
  • Complete the installation. When Windows finishes installing, the computer will boot to the desktop.
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 finishes installing and you can use the desktop. This will open the dialog window.

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.

An 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 facility 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 facility ID

The phone agent will verify 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 activation

Enter the confirmation number as directed by the onscreen instructions to activate Windows.

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