Windows 10: How do I activate Windows 11 on a new machine from Windows 10 on an old machine?

I recently upgraded my old PC to a new self assembled machine and upgraded to Windows 11 through the "free" download. To activate, it says my old product key is not valid on this device. I was to understand my old activation was kept in my Microsoft Account, but it is asking me for a product key, which I do not have, to activate this OS.Please advise.

:)

 

Deactivating a Windows 10 Pro Key from an Old Machine to Reactivate in a New Machine

I built a brand new computer to replace the my current computer, which was also built by me. My goal is to transfer the Windows OS product key from my old machine to the new one. I originally bought the key through the Microsoft Store, and the key is attached to my Microsoft account along with both machines. I also have the key in an email receipt. I did refer to the Activation Article, but the step I'm missing is the "Freeing" of the key from the old hardware, so it can be activated on the new one. Both machines are up and running.

• My key is for Windows 10 Home, and recently I upgraded to Pro. Can I still use the same activation key?
  
• If I "Reset this PC" and effectively perform a clean wipe, will that free up the key?
  

I'm okay with any "Nuclear" options for the old machine, so long as I can move the key and not buy Windows again.
Thanks for your help. I realize I might be missing something obvious considering how common this inquiry is.

 

How to activate Windows 11 in Parallels for Mac from an old Windows 10 machine

I purchased Windows Vista back in the day, and subsequently upgraded it to 7, then 8.1, then 10 on a Bootcamp partition on an iMac computer. My Windows 10 was apparently activated, at least there was no watermark etc. that would suggest it was not. I recently purchased a new Mac mini, and when I tried to activate Windows 11 in a new virtual machine I discovered that the product key on my old Windows 10 machine was actually generic (i.e. I do not have a specific license key for my copy of Windows 10). Does this mean that I would need to purchase Windows again to have an activated copy? Hopefully this is clear, I realize it's a bit of a complicated situation. Thanks!

 

transferring a pro upgrade from an old windows 10 machine to a new windows 11 machine.

i just purchased a new pc with windows 11 home. my old pc used windows 10 home that i upgraded with a digital license to pro. i can see the evidence of the pro upgrade in my windows account. how do i transfer the pro upgrade from my old windows 10 machine to my new windows 11 machine?