Contains paid promotion
Move Windows license to new PC
You probably also know the situation that you buy a new PC without an operating system (to save money), since you still have your Windows version for which has already been paid. Only if you then want to activate Windows on the new computer comes at once an error message that Windows is already activated on another PC.
So what to do?
First of all, it does not help to format the boot drive (mostly drive: C).
If you have already done that and are looking for another solution, unfortunately you have had bad luck.
Before you move to a new PC, you must log off or deactivate your Windows license from the old computer in order to make it available again.
By the way, it does not necessarily have to be that you are facing the problem if you have bought a new computer, but it can be enough if so-called system-relevant components are exchanged.
This is the same for Windows as if it were a completely new PC.
The system-relevant components include e.g. Mainboard, CPU, hard drive and in some cases, even the graphics card (albeit the exception) to be the trigger.
Move Windows license to new PC
You probably also know the situation that you buy a new PC without an operating system (to save money), since you still have your Windows version for which has already been paid. Only if you then want to activate Windows on the new computer comes at once an error message that Windows is already activated on another PC.
So what to do?
First of all, it does not help to format the boot drive (mostly drive: C).
If you have already done that and are looking for another solution, unfortunately you have had bad luck.
Before you move to a new PC, you must log off or deactivate your Windows license from the old computer in order to make it available again.
By the way, it does not necessarily have to be that you are facing the problem if you have bought a new computer, but it can be enough if so-called system-relevant components are exchanged.
This is the same for Windows as if it were a completely new PC.
The system-relevant components include e.g. Mainboard, CPU, hard drive and in some cases, even the graphics card (albeit the exception) to be the trigger.
1. Start Windows Command Prompt as administrator
1. Start Windows Command Prompt as administrator
First, you start your old computer quite normally.
Then go to the bottom left of the taskbar on the Windows icon and right-click once to open the options menu.
Select the item: “Command Prompt (Administrator)”.
This step is very important because if you choose only “Command Prompt” you will not have the required rights for the action you’ve planned, and the command would be denied.
see picture: (click to enlarge)
First, you start your old computer quite normally.
Then go to the bottom left of the taskbar on the Windows icon and right-click once to open the options menu.
Select the item: “Command Prompt (Administrator)”.
This step is very important because if you choose only “Command Prompt” you will not have the required rights for the action you’ve planned, and the command would be denied.
see picture:
2. Disable Windows license
2. Disable Windows license
To deactivate the Windows license from your old computer, enter the following:
slmgr / upk
Then simply confirm with the Enter key and that’s it.
If you have entered the command correctly, you will receive a confirmation immediately.
see picture: (click to enlarge)
Now you can easily format your old hard drive, or install it in your new computer to use it even further.
If you come up with the idea to say:
“Why should not I just install the old hard drive in the new computer and use it as a system hard drive?”
Windows would not recognize the PC and issue the message that you should please activate your copy of Windows.
Which, of course, would not work in that case.
To deactivate the Windows license from your old computer, enter the following:
slmgr / upk
Then simply confirm with the Enter key and that’s it.
If you have entered the command correctly, you will receive a confirmation immediately.
see picture:

Now you can easily format your old hard drive, or install it in your new computer to use it even further.
If you come up with the idea to say:
“Why should not I just install the old hard drive in the new computer and use it as a system hard drive?”
Windows would not recognize the PC and issue the message that you should please activate your copy of Windows.
Which, of course, would not work in that case.
Popular Posts:
How to delete and edit Google reviews
Reviews on Google help millions of users every day with their decision for or against a product, service or company. But sometimes opinions change and you want to correct your assessment.
These Smartphones get the update to Android 11
After Android 10 "Q", the latest version of Android 11 is in the starting blocks as the successor and brings some improvements with it. You can find out whether your device gets the update in our list.
Microsoft Office gets fresher with a new design
The familiar appearance of Microsoft Office versions will soon be a thing of the past, and a sleek design gives it a fresh look.
Excel Urlaubsplaner 2021 mit Feiertagen und Wochenenden erstellen
Erstellen Sie sich einen Urlaubplaner 2021 mit Anzeige von Feiertagen und Wochenenden mit Excel, den Sie jedes Jahr wieder verwenden können.
Connect the laptop to the desktop PC in the home network
Working with different data on the desktop PC and notebook disrupts the workflow. Synchronize the data on both devices conveniently wirelessly under Windows 10.
Popular Posts:
Who is responsible for data protection in the Home-Office
The home office topic has become increasingly relevant in times of the corona pandemic. But who is actually responsible for data protection at home?
Excel Urlaubsplaner 2021 mit Feiertagen und Wochenenden erstellen
Erstellen Sie sich einen Urlaubplaner 2021 mit Anzeige von Feiertagen und Wochenenden mit Excel, den Sie jedes Jahr wieder verwenden können.
Connect the laptop to the desktop PC in the home network
Working with different data on the desktop PC and notebook disrupts the workflow. Synchronize the data on both devices conveniently wirelessly under Windows 10.