How to Transfer Windows 10 to New PC [Full Guide]

Can I Transfer Windows 10 from One Computer to Another?

When getting a brand-new computer, the first question that comes to mind is: Can I transfer Windows 10 to a new PC from an old computer? This way, you don't have to go through the hassle of setting up your PC from scratch.

The good news is- yes, you can move Windows 10 from one computer to another, but there are a few caveats. The method depends largely on the type of Windows license you own and the approach you take to migration.

• Retail license: If your copy of Windows 10 was purchased separately (not preinstalled on your PC), you can move it to another computer. You may need to deactivate the old machine before reactivating the new one.
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license: If Windows 10 came preinstalled on your device, the license is typically tied to the original hardware. That means you cannot transfer it to a different computer.
• Volume license: Generally used by businesses, this type can be transferred according to the company’s licensing agreement.

On top of licensing, there's also the matter of your actual operating system and data. Moving everything intact, including programs, apps, and files, requires the use of disk cloning or system migration tools.

What to Do before Transferring to a New Computer?

Before you jump into data migration, it's important to prepare properly. This ensures that your transfer goes smoothly and that your new PC boots up without any hiccups.

1️⃣ Check your Windows license type

Knowing whether you have a retail or OEM license determines if you can legally transfer Windows 10 to another machine. You can check this by running slmgr /dli in Command Prompt.

2️⃣ Back up important files

Even if you're migrating your system and data, it's always wise to create Windows 10 backup to keep a copy of your essential documents, photos, and work files. It is recommended to use an external drive or cloud storage for extra peace of mind.

3️⃣ Prepare the new computer

Ensure the new PC has compatible hardware and that the BIOS is set up correctly (UEFI or Legacy) to match your existing Windows installation.

4️⃣ Ensure enough disk space

The target drive on the new computer must be equal to or larger than the used space on your old system drive.

5️⃣ Have a reliable cloning or migration tool

While Microsoft doesn't provide a direct built-in way to migrate Windows 10 to new computer, professional cloning software such as AOMEI Cloner simplifies the process significantly.

Part 1. How to Transfer Windows 10 to New PC - One-Click OS Migration📍

When you want to move Windows 10 to new PC without reinstalling everything from scratch, system cloning is the most effective solution. AOMEI Cloner stands out as one of the most user-friendly and powerful tools for this job. This tool helps to copy boot drive or replicate only your system environment, ensuring that Windows 10 boots successfully on your new PC.

AOMEI Cloner

Best System & Disk Clone Software

• Disk Clone or System Clone: You can choose to clone your entire hard drive or just the system partition(s), with no need to reinstall OS or applications, saving your time and effort.
• MBR↔GPT Clone: Capable of cloning MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR, allowing you to convert partition style during cloning.
• Intelligent Clone: It only clones the used sectors(by default), enabling efficient cloning to smaller SSD or HDD.
• SSD Alignment: Optimizes SSD performance and extends its lifespan automatically with 4K alignment.

Free Download
Win 11/10/8/7/Server

100% Secure

Except for Windows 10, this tool also works perfectly on Windows 11, 8, 7, and all Windows Servers. Here is how to perform Windows transfer to new PC with AOMEI Cloner straightforwardly.

Step 1. Download and install the AOMEI Cloner software on your old PC. Then, choose Clone > System Clone. This automatically selects the system partition(s).

▶ If you wish to transfer Windows 10 SSD to new PC entirely, you can use Disk Clone instead.

Step 2. Pick the destination disk where you want to clone your system. Make sure you’ve backed up any data on it because the process will overwrite everything.

Step 3. Configure the cloning options based on your needs.

• Edit Partitions: Available when you clone entire C drive. You can use it to adjust partition size and change drive letter, etc.
• Make full use of disk space: Available when there are multiple partitions (C drive, EFI, recovery, etc.) to be cloned. It will be checked by default when cloning to a larger drive.
• SSD Alignment: When cloning to an SSD, you can use this option to boost SSD's performance and lifespan.
• Sector By Sector Clone: This option helps to create an exact replica of the old drive or partition(s), including unused space.

Step 4. Click Start Clone to move Windows 10 to new computer's hard drive easily.

Part 2. How to Transfer Windows 10 License to New PC

Except for transferring Windows 10 to new computer, if you determine that your Windows 10 license is transferable, you can try the 2 methods below to migrate Windows 10 license to new computer without difficulty.

Way 1. Activate New PC with Microsoft Account

If your license is linked to your Microsoft account, this is the simplest way to handle Windows transfer to new PC.

Step 1. On your old PC, sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Confirm that it says: Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.

Step 3. Go to your new PC, then sign in with the same Microsoft account.

Step 4. If Windows isn't automatically activated, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot.

Step 5. Select I changed hardware on this device recently, and follow the prompts to activate the license on a new computer.

Step 6. Then, sign in to your Microsoft account, and you'll see a list of computers signed in to this account. Now, locate the name of your new device and click it to display a new set of activation settings. Next, select the "This is the device I'm using right now" option, then click Activate to complete the process.

Way 2. Deactivate Old Computer and Activate New Computer

If your Microsoft account does not have a digital license associated with it, you can use a product key to perform this transfer process.

The Command Prompt can help you uninstall the product key from your old computer, enabling you to complete this Windows migration task. After removing the key from the old device, you can enter it into the new computer to transfer the license.

Step 1. On your old PC, search for "cmd" in Windows to run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2. Type the following commands one by one to remove the product key from Windows and registry:

• slmgr /upk
• slmgr. vbs /cpky

Step 3. To reactivate the license, go to the new PC, run Command Prompt (Admin) again.

Step 4. Enter the command: slmgr.vbs /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx (your key), with Enter. When you receive a confirmation that the product key was updated, close the command prompt.

FAQs on Transferring Windows 10 to New PC

#1. Do you have to rebuy Windows if you get a new PC?

Not necessarily. If you purchased a retail version of Windows 10, you can transfer it to another computer without rebuying. However, if your PC came with a preinstalled OEM license, you’ll need to buy a new one for your new machine.

#2. Can you transfer Windows from old PC to new?

Yes, you can transfer Windows using disk cloning tools like AOMEI Cloner. This way, your new PC boots with the same system setup, apps, and files as the old one. Keep in mind, though, that drivers may need updating for the new hardware.

#3. What is the best way to transfer everything from old computer to new computer?

The most efficient way is to use system cloning software. Unlike manually copying files, cloning moves your entire OS environment in one go. This avoids reinstalling Windows, drivers, and applications from scratch.

#4. Does Windows license transfer to a new computer?

Yes, but only if it is a retail license or digital license linked to your Microsoft account. OEM licenses cannot be transferred, as they are tied to the original hardware.

Summary

On this page, you can not only learn how to transfer Windows 10 to new PC with one click, but also learn how to move Windows 10 license to new computer. Thanks to the user-friendly interface of AOMEI Cloner, even beginners with limited computer tech can effortlessly perform OS cloning. It supports cloning to Samsung SSD, SanDisk SSD, Crucial SSD, WD SSD, and so on.