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License Purchased to Upgrade to WIN 11 Pro

Susan Jones 0 Reputation points
2026-02-13T19:07:07.7266667+00:00

I just purchased a license for Win 11 Pro to upgrade a Win 10 computer. I entered the license key successfully but was not able to install it because the computer did not meet the requirements such as a TPM. How do I reuse that purchased license number on another computer since I could not install it on the intended computer?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation

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  1. Chen Tran 8,220 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-13T19:58:45.51+00:00

    Hello Susan,

    Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum!

    Based on your query of the problem of license purchased to upgrade to WIN 11 Pro due to the failure to meet TPM requirement.

    Well! A Windows 11 Pro license can be reused on another computer, but the process depends on the type of license you purchased. If it is a Retail license (purchased directly from Microsoft or authorized resellers). It is transferable to another computer. You must first deactivate/uninstall the license from the original machine before reusing it. On the other hand, if it is OEM license (preinstalled by the manufacturer). It is tied to the hardware it was sold with and not transferable to another computer.

    Here are steps to transfer a Retail License. Uninstalling the key from the old computer (since it did not meet requirements, you can still clear the activation). Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Run this command slmgr.vbs /upk to uninstall the product key.

    Install Windows 11 Pro on the new computer (make sure it meets TPM and other requirements). During installation or after setup, enter your product key. If you already have Windows 11 Home installed, you can upgrade to Pro by entering the key under Settings > System > Activation > Change product key.

    In case, activation fails automatically, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings. You may need to sign in with your Microsoft account linked to the license.

    Hope the provided information is helpful! If it is. It is appreciated to consider clicking "Accept Answer".

  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-13T19:07:33.9333333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If you have purchased a license for Windows 11 Pro and were unable to install it due to hardware requirements like TPM, you can typically reuse that license on another computer. Here are the steps you can follow:

    1. Deactivate the License on the Original Computer: If the license was activated on the original computer, you may need to deactivate it first. This can often be done through the Settings app under "Update & Security" > "Activation".
    2. Install Windows 11 Pro on the New Computer: On the new computer where you want to install Windows 11 Pro, ensure that it meets all the system requirements, including TPM.
    3. Enter the License Key: During the installation process or after installation, you can enter your purchased license key to activate Windows 11 Pro on the new machine. If the license is a retail version, it should be transferable.
    4. Microsoft Account: If your license is linked to your Microsoft account, signing in with that account on the new installation may automatically activate Windows without needing to enter the key again.

    If you encounter issues during activation, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance with reassigning the license.

    References:

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