Question Change pc's so what about paid for apps

[PDN]

I am going to stop using my desktop and remove the apps I paid for.
Then I am going to buy a laptop.
How do I handle things like Office that I paid for, Macrium that I paid for and other such apps when I boot up my laptop.
I am concerned that when I boot up my new computer, I will not be able to install my old apps even if I uninstall them from the old.
Furthermore, if my old computer breaks and I am unable to uninstall these, will I still be able to install them in my new computer?
I currently have a desktop made for me with a motherboard Asus Z390 and runs Windows 11.
Should I ask Dell to upgrade the firmware in UEFI?
Should I do a clean install to remove clutter using my product key I had for my desktop, or do I have to pay for Windows 11 Pro that I am running?
If I buy a Dell with Windows 11 Pro at Best Buy, will it come with a product key so I can do a clean install with this new key?

 

[USAFRet]

I am going to stop using my desktop and remove the apps I paid for.
Then I am going to buy a laptop.
How do I handle things like Office that I paid for, Macrium that I paid for and other such apps when I boot up my laptop.
I am concerned that when I boot up my new computer, I will not be able to install my old apps even if I uninstall them from the old.
Furthermore, if my old computer breaks and I am unable to uninstall these, will I still be able to install them in my new computer?
I currently have a desktop made for me with a motherboard Asus Z390 and runs Windows 11.
Should I ask Dell to upgrade the firmware in UEFI?
Should I do a clean install to remove clutter using my product key I had for my desktop, or do I have to pay for Windows 11 Pro that I am running?
If I buy a Dell with Windows 11 Pro at Best Buy, will it come with a product key so I can do a clean install with this new key?

Office and Macrium has license keys that you almost certainly got in an email when you bought them.

But, Belarc Advisor can get those keys for you to document for later use.
Bottom line...document all those license keys and serial numbers NOW, before you need them in the future.


For the PC/laptop and Windows...if it comes with a valid OS license, then all you need do is a full reinstall.
Skip where it asks for the license.
Later, when the system goes online, it will contact the activation server farm, and reactivate itself. You shouldn't need to do anything.

If you change parts, primarily the motherboard, that is a different story.

 

[punkncat]

If it is older Office ## then you need your key. If it is older than '12 it likely isn't going to activate. If it's 360 (etc) just log in.

 

[PDN]

Thanx for the reply. I keep all my licences and keys so from what you say it sound good.
So if I buy a PC with Windows 11 Pro installed I should get a license I can copy for future use but will not need for a clean install using MCT.

 

[PDN]

If it is older Office ## then you need your key. If it is older than '12 it likely isn't going to activate. If it's 360 (etc) just log in.

It is Office Home and Student 2019

 

[punkncat]

If you are discussing the Windows key, specifically, it can vary.

If you purchase an OEM build (and this is talking PC) then the license for that is for that machine's Hardware ID.

You can purchase your own license via a retail outlet. This becomes a rabbithole, but long story super short and simplified is that if you sign into this retail OS license with a MS account, then you can move said license to another build simply by a short process on the website.

 

[punkncat]

It is Office Home and Student 2019

Student licensure is tied to your school. So long as you have an .edu email address (there may be other things now) then you are good with that version.

 

[PDN]

This MS Office Home and Student I download from MS and is valid for another year. It has nothing to do with a school.

 

[punkncat]

This MS Office Home and Student I download from MS and is valid for another year. It has nothing to do with a school.

I may be confusing this with another product then. I know they have a version which works that way, figured it was some rebranding.

 

[USAFRet]

I may be confusing this with another product then. I know they have a version which works that way, figured it was some rebranding.

Right.
A verified student can get it from their school, free or cheap.
Only available with an edu email address.

The Home & Student version is a regular retail version. Similar to Pro, just not as many features.