Windows 11 pro won’t transfer to new hardware

Hi,

Did you purchase upgrade in Microsoft Store? Such upgrade is tied to hardware and non-transferrable.

Welcome Michael Fintel,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I am sorry to hear about your issue when Windows license activation system detecting your new hardware and defaulting to Windows 10 Home, which conflicts with your actual Windows 10 Pro/11 Pro digital license linked to your Microsoft account. 

You can try some steps below to troubleshoot the issue:  

Option 1: Ensure your Microsoft account is properly linked to your Windows 10 Pro/11 Pro digital license on the old device before the hardware change. 

Option 2: Manually upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro 

•  Settings > System > Activation > Change product key (VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T). Try the way to see if the issue is resolved.  

Option 3: After upgrading, reconnect to the internet and run the Activation Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot). Use the option to activate Windows on the new hardware linked to your Microsoft account license. 

Option 4: If needed, contact Microsoft Support for reactivation assistance, providing proof of purchase and your Microsoft account details.

1. Visit the Microsoft Support contact page: Contact - Microsoft Support 
2. In the search bar provided on the page, type "Win 11 pro cannot transfer to the new hardware" and press Enter.  
3. Click on the "Get Help" button that appears.  
4. Scroll down the page until you see and click on the "Contact Support" option.  
5. When prompted to select your product or service, choose "Other Products".  
6. For the category, choose "Windows".  
7. Look for and click on "Chat with a support agent in your web browser".  
8. When prompted, provide a valid contact email where Microsoft can reach you regarding your case.  
9. Explain your situation clearly: Be concise but provide all the relevant details.  

I really hope that the information I gave above was helpful to you. Please feel free to reply below and let me know if you have further concern on this matter.    

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Hello

If the Home edition currently activated? If not, the upgrade license will not work.

If it is, You can go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key

Disconnect internet, and disable any third party antivirus, key in the generic key instead: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

That should get you to Pro. Once restarted, you can connect back to the internet, sign into your Microsoft account. See if it is activated.