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How do I move a Windows 11 license

Steve Hanna 20 Reputation points
2025-11-23T03:45:40.1966667+00:00

I am trying to change my Parallels Windows 11 license from one user to another use on my MacBook. I have run the slmgr /upk command on the old user's virtual machine which I understand should free up the license for use again. However, when I try to activate it on the new virtual machine it says the license has already been used. Interestingly on the old virtual machine when I check Activation in Settings is says it's still activated. But if I try to run the slmgr /upk again it says the product key not found. What am I doing wrong? Or is this not allowed?

Thanks

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Jason Nguyen Tran 4,175 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-23T05:18:43.0666667+00:00

    Hi Steve Hanna,

    I know Windows activation inside Parallels can be a bit tricky. Running slmgr /upk removes the key from the local VM, but it does not remove the digital entitlement stored on Microsoft’s activation servers, which is why the old VM still shows as activated. In Parallels, each VM has a different hardware ID, so Windows treats the new VM as a completely different device, and this often prevents re-activation. In many cases, certain Windows keys (OEM, system-locked, or discounted types) are not transferable, which can also cause the “license already used” error.

    To try a proper transfer, you can recreate or boot the old VM, run slmgr /cpky and then slmgr /upk again, restart it, and then attempt activation on the new VM using slui 4 (phone activation). If this still fails, the license is likely non-transferable and you would need a new key for the second VM.

    If you’d like, share just the first five characters of your product key and I can help check the license type. If this explanation helps, please click “Accept Answer” so others can find it useful 😊.

    Jason.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-23T03:45:55.8533333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To move a Windows 11 license, you need to ensure that the license is properly deactivated on the old virtual machine before attempting to activate it on the new one. Here are the steps you should follow:

    1. Uninstall the Product Key: You mentioned running slmgr /upk, which is the correct command to uninstall the product key from the old virtual machine. However, if the command indicates that the product key is not found, it may mean that the key was already uninstalled or that there is an issue with the activation state.
    2. Check Activation State: If the old virtual machine still shows as activated, it might be necessary to use the command slmgr /ato to attempt to activate it again. This can sometimes refresh the activation status.
    3. Wait for Propagation: After uninstalling the key, it can take some time for the deactivation to propagate through Microsoft's servers. If you attempt to activate the license on the new virtual machine immediately after deactivation, it might still show as in use.
    4. Use the Correct Product Key: Ensure that you are using the same product key that was originally associated with the Windows 11 installation when trying to activate on the new virtual machine.
    5. Contact Microsoft Support: If you continue to experience issues, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft Support for assistance with your specific license situation, especially if the license is tied to a volume licensing agreement.

    In general, moving a Windows license is allowed, but it must be done correctly to ensure that the license is freed up for use on another device or virtual machine.

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