How to transfer Windows 10 licence to different computer?

There are two options for licensing schemes: a preinstalled version of OEM and Retail (ESD or boxed version) - a version for binding not to PC components, but to an account.
OEM key is for hardware bind. It binds to the motherboard. It can be transferred to another device if it is confirmed that the old computer is out of order and the motherboard remains the same. Retail license (box or ESD) is purchased by users for self-installation on a PC. The key is supplied in two formats - digital or box. Both options allow you to transfer the system from one computer to another, provided that the OS is deactivated on the first PC.
It is important to check the version of the operating system you are using before transferring. If you try to activate the Pro version with a key from Windows 10 Home, the system will display an invalid key message. However, the opposite action is possible - you can use the key from the "Professional" version to install on "Home". In this case, the system will automatically update to a "higher" edition.
The same problem occurs when entering a key from Win7 or Win8. However, in this case, it is possible to start the correct operation of the system. To do this, go to "Settings" - "Activate Windows" and enter the code manually.
Product key information can be found as follows. Search the Internet for the ShowKeyPlus program. Download, install and run it. The program will display the product key.

You cannot transfer the key without deactivating it on your old PC. If this is not done, then at first the system can work properly. But after a few days it will issue a warning about the need to update, and then it will simply stop functioning.
We offer a way to transfer the OS to another machine for those ESD keys that have already been activated. The new Windows 10 installation is activated differently. You can buy licensed Windows 10 and find out the nuances of its first installation from the managers of the SoftMonster online store.

An urgent question for those who are going to sell old hardware with a previously installed licensed Windows 10. By deactivating the PC and clearing the key data, you protect the purchased product from unauthorized use by new computer owners. Remember to save your license number to enter it on your new machine.
In the search bar (magnifying glass next to the Start button) type cmd. In the menu that appears, select Run as administrator - "Run as administrator".
You will see the "Administrator: Command Prompt" window. Type slmgr.vbs / upk and reboot your system. This will deactivate the OS on the old PC.
The slmgr.vbs / cpky command on the same line will clear the key from the registry. If the process completed correctly, the system will display the message: "The product key has been successfully removed."
As a result, you will get a working computer, but without a licence access to some functions will be limited for you: personal settings, personalization of the desktop, etc. will disappear. However, you can continue to use the device.

In the same command line, open as administrator, enter slmgr.vbs / ipk and the key number. That's it, you can use the OS on a new machine.
Microsoft makes sure that customers are not running operating systems on two or more PCs. There is no legal way to transfer the licensed top ten to a new machine, leaving it on the old one. If you want to leave the system on your previous PC, you will have to purchase another key for the new one. Contact the staff of the SoftMonster online store by phone or online chat to buy an official Windows key and use all the features of the operating system.

Working with an OEM key has its own nuances. This type of license is tied to the key components of the PC: to the motherboard, CPU and TPM. Replacement of these parts without resetting the activation is possible only when the equipment used is completely out of order. In this case, use a troubleshooter - activation troubleshooter. If there are problems with the operation of the system, it appears automatically in the corresponding section "Activation". If you have worried about having a Microsoft account before the problems occurred, then there will be no problems with recovery. Follow the path "Options" - "Update" - "Activation" and run the troubleshooter. In the blue window, click on the inscription "This device has recently changed hardware components." The OS will diagnose and automatically activate the license. If the system detects an error or "suspects" the user of license abuse, contact Microsoft technical support.