In short: replacing the drive, memory or graphics card does not affect your Windows licence. It all comes down to the motherboard: to Windows, a new motherboard means a new PC. A Retail licence can then be transferred to the new machine, while an OEM licence stays with the old one and you need a new key.
What happens to your licence, change by change
| Change | OEM licence | Retail licence | Volume licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive, SSD, memory, graphics card | No effect | No effect | No effect |
| Reinstalling Windows on the same PC | Automatic reactivation | Automatic reactivation | Key must be re-entered |
| New motherboard | New key needed | Transfer possible | One more activation |
| New computer | New key needed | Transfer possible | One more activation |
Not sure which type of licence you have? The slmgr /dli command tells you in ten seconds: see our guide How to find your Windows product key.
Transferring a Retail licence, step by step
A Retail licence can only be active on one PC at a time. Release it first on the old machine if it still works.
- On the old PC, open Terminal (Admin) and type
slmgr /upkto uninstall the key, thenslmgr /cpkyto clear it from the registry. - On the new PC, open Settings > System > Activation > Change product key and enter the same key.
- If online activation fails with error 0xC004C008, the key is still registered to the old machine: wait a little and try again, or go through Microsoft support.
After a motherboard change: the activation troubleshooter
If your digital licence is linked to your Microsoft account, Windows can recover it by itself. Open Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot, choose I changed hardware on this device recently, sign in and select your PC from the list. This method works for a Retail licence; an OEM licence is not meant to follow a new motherboard.
Remember to link your licence before changing hardware: sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account and the link is made automatically.
Volume licences
A volume key (MAK) covers a set number of activations. Each new computer, or each PC whose motherboard has been replaced, uses one more activation. Keep some headroom if you plan to replace devices: our guide Equipping a small business with 5 to 100 PCs explains how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Does replacing the hard drive deactivate Windows?
No. After reinstalling on a new hard drive or SSD, Windows reactivates automatically, because the digital licence is tied to the motherboard, not the drive.
Can an OEM licence be transferred to a new PC?
No. An OEM licence stays attached to the first computer it was activated on. For a PC you plan to upgrade, choose a Retail licence.
How many times can a Retail licence be transferred?
There is no fixed number: the only rule is that it is active on just one PC at a time. Uninstall it from the old PC before activating it on the new one.
My motherboard was replaced under warranty: what should I do?
Run the activation troubleshooter with your Microsoft account. If it fails on a branded PC, contact the manufacturer: they can provide the original key for the new board.
Do you change hardware often? A Windows 11 Pro Retail or Windows 11 Home Retail licence moves with you from one PC to the next. Delivered by email within minutes, with an invoice.