I’m planning to replace the existing SSD within my Dell Optiplex pc. When I bought it, it came with an SSD that had a windows installation with pro license activated. Now, when I replace this with a new SSD, how do I transfer the license?
Just in case it doesn’t carry over, run this first to get your Windows Pro key: https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
The license is tied to the motherboard and hardware, so you don’t need to do anything to transfer it. Just make sure you install the same version (ie; 10 Pro) if doing a fresh install.
If you install fresh using a USB created by the Media Creation Tool, there is one detail you’ll need to know. The install/OOBE setup will still prompt you to enter a key and activate. Just tell it to skip for now/activate later. Once it finishes and goes online, it will activate automatically.
My (non-digital/non-microsoft account) windows pro license deactivated when I did ssd swap about a week ago (but I did a full bit copy then expanded the file system).
Let’s just say I didn’t buy a new license after that.
The system should activate itself if you only replace the disk.
But… if you ever need a license use one of the activation scripts from massgravel on githu… I mean buy a new license on microsoft.com and enjoy your shiny, legally activated operaring system.
…or just install Linux, if your use case allows you to do so
This is the correct answer. Dell, and other oems, have stored their windows keys in firmware on motherboards for years now. You could literally install on a fresh drive and it should auto activate. Typically at most you have to go to click activate yourself.
This is all assuming the machine came with a pro license and wasn’t upgraded of course. It should have a sticker on it.
