Windows 10: Activation unable to find existing device to transfer license

I have an old PC with Windows 10 that I'm replacing with a new one with hardware that supports Windows 11. That old PC had also been previously replaced with even older hardware, also running the same Windows 10. Originally, I had a retail copy of Windows 7 still have the box that I upgraded to Windows 10 when the free upgrade was being offered many years ago. So, I have previously successfully transferred the retail license for hardware replacements.Now, I am trying to activate the latest PC, but the activation troubleshooter is unable to find the device currently using the license. I have

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transfer digital license

a windows site suggests de-activating a device to transfer the -license' / key - to a new device. Is this true and possible in the case of --transfer digital license-- ???

 

Cannot transfer Windows license to new PC

Yes, thank you, these are the relevant steps. I only want to point out one thing, since the instructions are a bit misleading.

Once you get to step 5 and see a list of devices linked to your Microsoft account, you need to select your old device from the list. So open the Activation page from the new device and select the old device in the list and mark it as This is the device I’m using right now.

My initial understanding was that you need to find your new device in the list and mark it as the currently active one. What you're actually doing is selecting the device from which to take the Windows license.

I have now successfully transferred my Windows license to my new device.

Thank you

 

transferring license to another device

You can't because the free upgrade originated from a preinstalled OEM Windows 8.1 license. You will need to purchase a new full Windows 10 license for the other device.

Learn more:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer