Is Your Windows Product Key Reusable?
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Windows keys can be confusing. One of the biggest questions is whether you can use your current product key and move it to another computer.
For example, many product keys on modern computers are stored on the motherboard, meaning if the motherboard changes, that key might no longer be usable. However, if you know if your product key is retail, OEM, or volume, you might be able to move your product key to another computer.
You need to know if you have a Retail, OEM, or Volume license.
Retail
A retail license means you purchased Windows either online or at a store, and you should have a physical copy. Retail Windows can be transferred and activated to another computer but only assigned to one computer at any time.
OEM
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer means your copy of Windows came installed on your computer and is licensed only to that computer for its lifespan. Nowadays, most of these licenses are embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. OEM licenses are standard with brand-name computers, including Dell, Hewlett, Packard, Compaq, etc. One exception would be OEM-SLP. This is preinstalled; no activation required key. You can not install Windows using this key, but you can recover from a preinstalled partition on your computer. Check with your manufacturer on how to do that.
Volume
Volume licenses are often purchased in bulk by large companies, educational institutes, or the government. There's a good chance that these keys can be installed on other computers, but bulk sales usually have a limit, and when that limit is exceeded, the product key is no longer valid on another computer.
Open a Windows Terminal.
There are a few possible commands depending on whether you use PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal:
slmgr.vbs /dlv
Slmgr –dli
Slmgr /dli
Wait a few seconds for the Windows Script Manager to appear and tell you which license type you have.
Similar:
How to Check if Your Windows License is Retail, OEM, or Volume
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How To Retrieve an Embedded Windows Key
How to Use Slmgr to View, Install, Uninstall, Activate, or Extend Your Windows License
How to Transfer Your Windows 10 & 11 License to Another Computer
Can I Have Multiple Windows 10, 11, or Microsoft Office Keys One One Account?
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For example, many product keys on modern computers are stored on the motherboard, meaning if the motherboard changes, that key might no longer be usable. However, if you know if your product key is retail, OEM, or volume, you might be able to move your product key to another computer.
You need to know if you have a Retail, OEM, or Volume license.
Retail
A retail license means you purchased Windows either online or at a store, and you should have a physical copy. Retail Windows can be transferred and activated to another computer but only assigned to one computer at any time.
OEM
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer means your copy of Windows came installed on your computer and is licensed only to that computer for its lifespan. Nowadays, most of these licenses are embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. OEM licenses are standard with brand-name computers, including Dell, Hewlett, Packard, Compaq, etc. One exception would be OEM-SLP. This is preinstalled; no activation required key. You can not install Windows using this key, but you can recover from a preinstalled partition on your computer. Check with your manufacturer on how to do that.
Volume
Volume licenses are often purchased in bulk by large companies, educational institutes, or the government. There's a good chance that these keys can be installed on other computers, but bulk sales usually have a limit, and when that limit is exceeded, the product key is no longer valid on another computer.
Open a Windows Terminal.
There are a few possible commands depending on whether you use PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal:
slmgr.vbs /dlv
Slmgr –dli
Slmgr /dli
Wait a few seconds for the Windows Script Manager to appear and tell you which license type you have.
Similar:
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