product key issue

Welcome Ofir Twito - Sysec

Thanks for reaching out to the Q&A Forum.

I see that you're trying to activate Windows (for Home) on a new device with a product key that was already used on another computer. Here’s some information that may help.

Step 1: Identify your license type.

You can reuse a Windows product key on a new device only if it’s a retail license. OEM licenses (pre-installed by manufacturers) are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.

To check the license type on your old PC, run slmgr -dli in Command Prompt (as Administrator)

Step 2: Transfer the license (if Retail)

1. Uninstall the Product Key from the Old PC

In the same Command Prompt window, type slmgr /upk and press Enter. This uninstalls the product key and deactivates Windows on the old device. Then run slmgr /cpky to clear the product key from the registry.

2. Activate on the new PC

On the new computer, start Windows installation or go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

During installation or in Activation settings, click “Change product key” and enter your retail product key.

Activate Windows

Restart the PC.

Notes:

After entering the product key, Windows should activate. If it doesn't activate automatically, use the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings or run Command Prompt as Administrator on the new PC and enter slmgr /ipk <YourProductKey> followed by slmgr /ato to attempt activation manually.

3. Link to Microsoft Account (Recommended)

On the new PC, sign in with your Microsoft account or link the license to your account to simplify future re-activations or hardware changes.

If you encounter problems during activation because the key was recently active on the old PC, you might need to contact Microsoft Support for direct assistance.

Hope this guide could help. Please let me know how it goes or if you need more details.

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