Question New computer. Win 10 > Win 11

[IJIN]

Hello everyone, I am in the process of ordering a new computer. By default ("for testing" )they will install Windows 11 Pro.

In my current PC I alreay have Win10 Home (OEM). I offered the key of my wins (sticker on the pc) and asked them to transfer my license to the new computer but they say it's not possible.. Chatgpt confirms that..

🔄 Steps to transfer and upgrade:

1. Check your license type
   
   • If it says Retail, you're good to transfer. If it says OEM, it’s tied to your current hardware and not transferable.

I was under the impression that win10 users don't need to buy a new license.. so I am confused.. What's the optimal solution in this case? Do I need to buy 11 or can I manually delete these 11 pro on receiving the new PC and then somehow re-install win10 and then update to 11 myself?... No sure what to do. Any advice? Thank you

 

[Lutfij]

In my current PC I alreay have Win10 Home (OEM).
OEM license keys are tied to the motherboard's BIOS chip, so no luck for you to transfer the license to your new system.

What's the optimal solution in this case?
Buy a new OS license key for your new system.

Do I need to buy 11 or can I manually delete these 11 pro on receiving the new PC and then somehow re-install win10 and then update to 11 myself?
How much are the people who are installing the OS for you charging for the OS? Do you really need Pro?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare-windows-11-home-vs-pro-versions#tabs1-2

 

[punkncat]

First off, wouldn't.

When transferring license is usually up, not down, and should be the same version. So Pro to Home isn't typically going to work since it isn't the same/same key.

You could wipe the drive and clean install the W10H if the key is good, but OEM insinuates it was from a prebuild. This could be an incorrect assumption as you can purchase "OEM" key from Newegg and MicroCenter for people doing their own builds. Typically the OEM key will not transfer and will be very low count on hardware changes before deactivating. The "retail" key allows more of this (I think they call it something different now).

W10 isn't going to have support moving forward and will run into driver and security issues sooner than later. Consider a skin or just getting used to 11.

 

[IJIN]

They install the pro version IF I do not buy any license at all.
But if I choose to buy OS, then I can pick.. Cheapest option 11 home OEM = 90euro. No retail options in my case


Ok, it seems that my OEM is not transferable (it was pre-installed on the pc when I bought it - I paid for it's license). I a bit upset that I have to pay again now for 11. I didn't know what OEM means at the time.
Looks like thought, when they release win12 I will have to buy it again if I change the PC. Damn MS...

Is it correct then... that if my current motherboard were to break... I would lose my windows as well?? Weird..

 

[SteJBorchard]

There isn't any good reason to buy windows 11 Pro unless you really need the extra ( lololol) Security or a specific feature.

have you tried reinstalling with just your version of windows 10 and do all the updates?

 

[USAFRet]

Hello everyone, I am in the process of ordering a new computer. By default ("for testing" )they will install Windows 11 Pro.

In my current PC I alreay have Win10 Home (OEM). I offered the key of my wins (sticker on the pc) and asked them to transfer my license to the new computer but they say it's not possible.. Chatgpt confirms that..

🔄 Steps to transfer and upgrade:

1. Check your license type
   • If it says Retail, you're good to transfer. If it says OEM, it’s tied to your current hardware and not transferable.

I was under the impression that win10 users don't need to buy a new license.. so I am confused.. What's the optimal solution in this case? Do I need to buy 11 or can I manually delete these 11 pro on receiving the new PC and then somehow re-install win10 and then update to 11 myself?... No sure what to do. Any advice? Thank you

For "testing", they should have either a usable temporary shop license, OR run it unactivated. Yes, that is a thing.

And yes, your current OEM license is not transferable to new hardware. Where did you get this Win 10 license?

Win 11 Pro?
Unless you really really need the few corporate level features, Win 11 Home is just fine.
Zero performance difference.

As far as buying this license...
How much are you spending on the whole PC? A retail Win 11 home is around $100. Maybe 10% of the total system cost.