If you've ever built a computer yourself and purchased a license for Windows, you probably won't want to buy another license for your next computer. However, using the slmgr command, you can deactivate your old PC and activate a new one.
Deactivate your old PC instead of buying a new license
Licenses for Windows They're expensive. The price of an official Microsoft key, ranging from $100 to $200, can be comparable to the price of a terabyte solid-state drive, 15 GB of RAM, or a motherboard. And buying cheap keys from dubious websites isn't a good idea. So paying for another license when you're getting rid of an old computer for a new one isn't a good idea. The good news is, you can deactivate a PC you're no longer using and transfer the license to a new one.
Using the slmgr command to do this is quite simple, but there are some limitations to be aware of. This will not work with OEM keys that come with pre-built computers. Manufacturers build them into the hardware they come with and they cannot be transferred to a new device. And if slmgr can deactivate any key purchased separately at retail, it can only activate the key that matches the installed OS.
Keys from Windows 7 and 8 can activate Windows 10, but only through the standard activation process, not through slmgr. It also won't work to enter the Pro key into the Home edition system. To simplify matters, transfer the key from Windows 10 Home on Windows 10 Home, and the key from Windows 10 Pro on the key from Windows 10
Pro. Otherwise, you will have to make additional gestures.
How to deactivate an old PC
Before you start, make sure you save the key. If you have a box or digital check, take it there. In other cases, there are ways to recover the key from an old PC, for example, the program .
To deactivate the PC, you need to open the input line with administrator capabilities. It is not enough just to run it from an administrator account. You need to click the "Start" button, type cmd in the input field, and then click on the "Run as administrator" menu item.
In the input line that appears, run the following command, after which you will need to restart the computer:
slmgr.vbs /upk
If you're planning to sell or give away your PC, it's a good idea to clean your registry key. This is not necessary for deactivation, but it is desirable for protecting the key.
Write the following on the command line:
slmgr.vbs /cpky
If successful, your old PC will be deactivated. Windows You can use it, but it will no longer be activated, and some features will stop working, such as desktop personalization. Everything will be the same as after installation. Windows without a product key. To activate Windows You can buy a new key and enter it, or buy it in Windows Store.
How to activate a new PC
To activate using slmgr, open a command prompt with administrator rights and run the following command:
slmgr.vbs /ipk #####-#####-#####-#####-#####
Where instead of bars enter the key.
If you try to enter a key that has not been deactivated on another PC, then at first everything will look like the activation worked. But eventually it will stop working and you will get messages about the need to renew the license.
Let me repeat that this will only work if the key matches the OS version you are using. If you have a key for Windows 10 Pro, and it will be installed Windows 10 Home, you will receive an error message.
If you try to enter the key from Windows 7 or 8, you will get an invalid key message.
In such cases, it is best to open “Settings”, select “Activate” Windows", and enter the key manually.
If you use a key for Pro and activate a copy Windows 10 Home, it will upgrade to Pro automatically.
Please note that the key for Windows You can only use it for one installed copy of the OS. If you want to keep your old computer while building a new one, you'll need a second license. But if you plan to get rid of it, save money and transfer your existing license.
Source: habr.com
