How to uninstall your windows product key before you sell your pc

Melanie Pinola

Before you sell or recycle an old computer, you might want to take your Windows licence and use it on a different PC. The How-To Geek offers instructions for uninstalling your product key and installing it on a new PC.

You just need to open the Command Prompt in administrative mode and run two commands to uninstall the product key. Installing it is just as easy using the same “slmrg” command.

You should note this fine print from the article before proceeding:

Note: Between Microsoft and your OEM there are a number of different laws that determine whether you are allowed to use your licence on another PC, so follow this tutorial at your own risk. Additionally before you go through the tutorial you will want to check that your product key is still attached to your PC/Installation CD, if it is not, do a quick Google search on how to recover it.

You can also recover the product key using ProduKey, even if your computer is broken.

For the full instructions, see the tutorial below.

Comments

This is all well and good if you are corporate or something but surely just wiping the HDD is all that you need to do. I’ve had no issues putting the OS of an old PC onto a new one. The worst that has happened is you make a call to MS and get it validated that way. They have never baulked at that so long as I assure them that the old PC has been stripped of Windows.

From Microsoft’s OEM system builders license:

“Once a Windows or Server OEM System Builder software license has been installed, it may not be transferred to or installed on another PC even if the PC is no longer in use. The end-user license is permanently tied to the original computer system on which it was first installed.”

That may what’s in the licence, but I have removed OEM Windows 7 from one Mobo and CPU to an updated system on several occasions. Usually all you need to do is phone for a new activation, but I have had to call and explain on one occasion, that the old Mobo and CPU are not in use. They had no problems reactivating on the new system. I just told them that the mobo died and I had to buy a new one and new CPU. I then used the old system to upgrade my wife’s system.

Um just because you got away with doesn’t mean you are allowed to. As @johnd posted OEM licences live and die with the original system. So you may think you are legit but you are in fact in complete violation of the agreement and unlicensed to use the software. harsh but its the way their licensing works.

Check the following link:-

Q: Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
A: Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer’s replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer’s warranty. (Plus a 2nd paragraph)

As I mentioned in the above comment. It was OK’d by MS, so how it that illegal?

And that’s why so many people are confused with MS’s licensing. The call centres in India (99% of the 100s of times I have called I have got an Indian, I am not being racist) must not be given any training or something. It doesn’t make any sense I know. But by the letter of the licensing agreement you are not licensed.

Look at how many retailers sold OEM licenses of Windows 7. Have you read the licensing for that? It can ONLY be installed on BRAND NEW equipment by the PC Manufacturer and has to be done so using the OPK (OEM Preinstallation Kit). No end user can install it themselves. How many smaller IT retailers install using the OPK? How many copies are sold to end users? This is all in clear violation of their agreement yet people keep selling it and nothing happens? This just puzzles me.

This is clearly wrong because my old HDD was destroyed. I bought all new parts under the answer to my question “I want to load windows 95″.

However I have the Windows 95 disk sitting in front of me with the product Key but the New Motherboard and Bios calls this iNVALID, NON System Disk.

I suppose you go around destroying Vintage and Veteran vehicles because you do not believe they are valid anymore. I should be allowed to load my new HDD with MY WINDOWS 95, that I purchased legally. Instead I have run up against CRIPPLEWARE built into the new motherboard.

Until I load Windows 95 I cannot use my old software. I have upgrades to Windows 98 and Windows XP Professional. But nothing will work until I can Load Windows 95.

I have Windows 7 on another PC but it will not ‘PERMIT” me to load and run my OLD Software. So I have to rebuild from SCRATCH.

There is two license’s OEM and NON-OEM OEM is supposed to stay with the original hardware normally defined by the mainboard there is a clause is your mainboard dies you have to replace it with like for like thought whilst with the non OEM license you can remove it from an old computer and install it on a new computer.

Off-topic question. What windows 7 theme is that?

Original title: Resetting from windows 10

I have been having some serious issues with my computer. I want to reset the computer, keep my files and such, but I don’t want it to go back to windows 8.1 and I’m worried that I’ll lose my liscence key. I previously reset a windows 10 computer and it took it back to 8.1 and lost the liscence.

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Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. We regret the inconvenience caused and will assist you in resolving the issue.

You will not lose the license/product key after resetting the system if the Windows version installed earlier is activated and genuine. The license key for Windows 10 would have been activated already on the mother board if the previous version installed on the PC is of activated and genuine copy.

If you have problems with your PC, you can reset it. Resetting will re-install Windows but deletes your files, settings, and apps except for those apps that came with your PC.

Refer to Resetting your PC section from the link below:

Note: Select Keep my files option when resetting the PC and also we recommend you to take backup of all your files and folders.

Write to us with the status of the issue on the same post for further assistance. Your reply is most important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.

If you are upgrading to a new PC, you might want to uninstall the Windows product key on your old PC so you can use the same key on the new PC. With a few simple commands you can easily uninstall it.

In this post we will show you how to uninstall the Windows product key and install it again on another PC. This tutorial is written using Windows 7, but the instructions are the same for Windows 8 and Windows 10.

Note: You can only use a retail Windows product on another PC. The OEM Windows product key is attached to the hardware of the PC and cannot be reused on another PC. In short, you can reuse the Windows product key that you have bought directly from Microsoft, but you can’t reuse the product key that came with your PC when you bought it.

Find the Windows Activation ID

You will need your Windows Activation ID to identify and uninstall the product key. The Activation ID is written in the Windows license information; you can use the slmgr.vbs /dlv command in Command Prompt to access this license information.

To do so, open a command prompt window as administrator. Go to the Start menu and right-click on “All Programs.” Right-click on the “Command Prompt” shortcut and select “Run as Administrator” from the menu.

In the command prompt, enter

After a short delay, the Windows Script Host window will open up with the license information. Look for the “Activation ID” and note it down somewhere. You cannot copy it, so you should note it in Notepad or write it down on paper.

Uninstall the Windows Product Key

Now that we know the Activation ID, let’s uninstall the product key using the /upk command (stands for “Uninstall Product Key”).

Note: In the uninstallation process, the product key will not be shown. Make sure you already have the product key safe somewhere, like on a Windows disc or written down somewhere. If you don’t have the product key externally available, you can also use third-party software like Produkey to extract it from Windows.

In the command prompt, enter

Replace “(Activation ID)” with the Activation ID that you noted down earlier . For example, slmgr /upk 7cfd4696-d862-4afc-af3d-ff3d1b26d6c8 .

Once it is done, you should get an “Uninstalled product key successfully” message. Otherwise, check the Activation ID and ensure you entered it correctly.

Install Windows Product Key

If you would like to install the product key again, you can use the /ipk command (stands for “Install Product Key”). In the command prompt, type

Replace “(Windows Product Key)” with the actual product key. For example, slmgr /ipk m325d-2k31o-kved3-23m2d-dfo3d .

The product key will be installed, and you will get an “Installed product key successfully” message.

Conclusion

You can use the above process to easily uninstall the Windows product key. However, make sure you have the product key stored somewhere safe if you are thinking of using it again, as in this whole process the actual product key will not be shown. Do let us know in the comments why you want to uninstall the Windows product key.

Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn’t feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.

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4 comments

After running the slmgr.vbs /dlv command, you can copy the information to the clipboard. Just click in the dialog box and press Ctrl-C. Open a text editor and paste.

Do you realize that although you obscured the license key in the images, you did not do so in your command lines?

uh, that was the example he used… not the real one…

Does the uninstall process send a notification to Microsoft.com letting them know that the product key is now unused on that computer so there will be no problem installing it to a new machine?

Comments are closed.

Affiliate Disclosure: Make Tech Easier may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

Uninstalling a retail product key on a PC can be useful if you wanted to sell or give the PC away with Windows 10 still installed by not activated, or if you just wanted to use the product key to activate Windows 10 on another PC.

Uninstalling the product key on a Windows 10 PC will not remove the digital license for that PC from Microsoft activation servers.

If you try to activate Windows 10 on another PC with this same retail product key, you may have to activate by phone if online activation fails.

This tutorial will show you how to uninstall the product key on a PC to deactivate Windows 10.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to uninstall the product key.

An OEM PC with UEFI firmware will have its product key permanently embedded in the firmware chip. It can’t be removed.

EXAMPLE: Windows 10 not activated after uninstalling product key

Here’s How:

1 Open an elevated command prompt.

2 Copy and paste the slmgr /upk command into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter to uninstall the product key.

3. Click/tap on OK when the product key has successfully been uninstalled.

4. Copy and paste the slmgr /cpky command into the elevated command prompt, and press enter key.

This will clear the previously installed product key from the registry so that it can no longer be viewed by product key finder programs like ShowKeyPlus.

This will not remove an OEM product key embedded in the UEFI firmware chip.

Click/tap on OK when the product key has successfully been cleared from the registry.

Microsoft System Engineer

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How To Uninstall Your Windows Product Key Before You Sell Your PC

How To Uninstall Your Windows Product Key Before You Sell Your PC

Uninstalling Your Product Key

slmrg /upk 507660dd-3fc4-4df2-81f5b559467ad56b

I have a few Windows 7 era laptops (ThinkPad T420) that I plan on upgrading to Windows 10 and selling them. My current understanding is that once upgraded, the new Windows 10 key will be tied to my Windows account. Once I sell the device I want to be able to transfer the windows license to them.

Is there a way to do that?

On this topic, I’d like to be able to setup a computer, install the operating system, drivers etc, then erase account information so that when they start the computer it gives them the prompt to enter their user name etc (more or less how Dell, HP etc do when you buy a new PC from them). Is there an easy way to do this?

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Replies (6) 

You could setup a dummy account called User and let the potential owner know they should delete it after:

I just installed or reinstalled a preview build of Windows 10 and I want to upgrade to the final release, but it will not activate.

Microsoft has suspended Preview Builds and also deactivated their product keys at this time in preparation for the RTM release on July 29th. This means so you won’t be able to download, install or activate builds 10162 and 10166 or earlier builds in order to qualify for the final release.

Your best option is to reinstall a valid license you have for either Windows 7, Windows 8.0 or Windows 8.1, make sure it is actvated, then upgrade from that to Windows 10 on July 29th or later.

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.

Full version (Retail):

– Includes transfer rights to another computer.

– Doesn’t require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

Upgrade version (Retail):

– Includes transfer rights to another computer.

– require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

– Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

– OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

– OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

– OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

– OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

As it pertains to the OEM licenses this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.

From the Windows 10 end user license agreement:

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.

If you are planning to upgrade your PC or if you want to reinstall the windows on another computer, you might need an extra activation key to activate the windows OS. But, why should you do that when you already own a windows product key? You can uninstall windows product key and can use it on a new computer where you are planning to install the new windows OS. In this article, we are sharing the method to remove windows product key and use it on a new PC without paying for another one.

Note: You can only use this method for the retail windows product keys. Which means, it will only work on the windows that you bought directly from the Microsoft. It will not work on the pre-installed windows that coming with your laptop or PC.

You may also like these windows articles:

How to Uninstall Windows Product Key and Use It on a New Computer

Follow the simple steps given below to uninstall windows product key from your computer.

1. Find Windows Activation ID

In order to delete the windows product key, you have to find out the activation ID of your windows installation. For this, we are going to use a simple command in the command prompt. To do this,

1. Open CMD by searching ‘CMD’ in the start menu or by browsing it in ‘All Programs.’ Be sure to right click the CMD application and choose ‘Run as Administrator’ option from the context menu.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr.vbs /dlv
   
3. Press Enter
4. After a few seconds delay, the Windows Script Host window will open up. There you can find the ‘Activation ID’ of your windows installation.
5. Note the ‘Activation ID’ somewhere. You can’t copy it directly from the window. So, note it down in a paper.

2. Uninstall the Windows Product Key

Now, it is the time to uninstall the product from the windows. Be sure to note down the activation key as the uninstall process will not prompt you for it. To do this,

1. Open CMD by following the same steps given in above section.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr /upk (Activation ID)
3. Replace ‘(Activation ID)’ with the Activation ID that you have noted down earlier. For example
   slmgr /upk 7cfd4296-d862-4afc-af2d-ff3d1b26d6c8
4. Press Enter.
5. Once you successfully completed the above steps, you will get a message “Uninstalled product key successfully”. If not, check the activation key once again.

3. Install Windows Product Key

After Erasing the Windows product key, if you want to install it on another windows, you should follow the steps given below.

1. Open CMD by following the same steps given in above sections.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr /ipk (Windows Product Key)
3. Replace “(Windows Product Key)” with the real product key. For example
   slmgr /ipk m345d-2k31o-kved3-27m2d-dfo3d
4. Now, your product key will be installed on windows and you will get a message saying “Installed product key successfully.”

Now, you’ve successfully migrated your windows product key to another computer without losing it. This method is verified by our members and found working. If you’ve faced any difficulties in the process, feel free comment in the following comment box. We will reach you as soon as possible.

If you are planning to upgrade your PC or if you want to reinstall the windows on another computer, you might need an extra activation key to activate the windows OS. But, why should you do that when you already own a windows product key? You can uninstall windows product key and can use it on a new computer where you are planning to install the new windows OS. In this article, we are sharing the method to remove windows product key and use it on a new PC without paying for another one.

Note: You can only use this method for the retail windows product keys. Which means, it will only work on the windows that you bought directly from the Microsoft. It will not work on the pre-installed windows that coming with your laptop or PC.

You may also like these windows articles:

How to Uninstall Windows Product Key and Use It on a New Computer

Follow the simple steps given below to uninstall windows product key from your computer.

1. Find Windows Activation ID

In order to delete the windows product key, you have to find out the activation ID of your windows installation. For this, we are going to use a simple command in the command prompt. To do this,

1. Open CMD by searching ‘CMD’ in the start menu or by browsing it in ‘All Programs.’ Be sure to right click the CMD application and choose ‘Run as Administrator’ option from the context menu.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr.vbs /dlv
   
3. Press Enter
4. After a few seconds delay, the Windows Script Host window will open up. There you can find the ‘Activation ID’ of your windows installation.
5. Note the ‘Activation ID’ somewhere. You can’t copy it directly from the window. So, note it down in a paper.

2. Uninstall the Windows Product Key

Now, it is the time to uninstall the product from the windows. Be sure to note down the activation key as the uninstall process will not prompt you for it. To do this,

1. Open CMD by following the same steps given in above section.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr /upk (Activation ID)
3. Replace ‘(Activation ID)’ with the Activation ID that you have noted down earlier. For example
   slmgr /upk 7cfd4296-d862-4afc-af2d-ff3d1b26d6c8
4. Press Enter.
5. Once you successfully completed the above steps, you will get a message “Uninstalled product key successfully”. If not, check the activation key once again.

3. Install Windows Product Key

After Erasing the Windows product key, if you want to install it on another windows, you should follow the steps given below.

1. Open CMD by following the same steps given in above sections.
2. In the command prompt, type
   slmgr /ipk (Windows Product Key)
3. Replace “(Windows Product Key)” with the real product key. For example
   slmgr /ipk m345d-2k31o-kved3-27m2d-dfo3d
4. Now, your product key will be installed on windows and you will get a message saying “Installed product key successfully.”

Now, you’ve successfully migrated your windows product key to another computer without losing it. This method is verified by our members and found working. If you’ve faced any difficulties in the process, feel free comment in the following comment box. We will reach you as soon as possible.

This article aims to help you by displaying more information about how to remove the Microsoft Windows Product Key tech support scam virus.

A new Trojan Horse type of malware has been detected by researchers to display a lockscreen message, pretending to be a legitimate Microsoft Windows screen. The end goal of the virus is to convince victims that they must enter their product key and click OK. The virus also has a customer support number embedded in it, which is 1-888-970-4294. If you have been infected by the Windows Product Key virus, it is strongly advisable not to enter any type of information where it asks you for your product key, because the virus may steal the key from you. Instead, we advise you to read this article thoroughly and learn how to remove this virus completely from your computer system.

Threat Summary

How Did I Get the Windows Product Key Trojan

The Windows Product Key virus is of a scamming nature, but this does not change the fact that it is malware. Like any malware, it can be spread either via files or other objects, such as JavaScripts or web links. Researchers are convinced that the main method by which you can become a victim of this virus is if you download a setup of a free program online and the virus is embedded as one of the files installed on your computer along with the program you downloaded. This strategy has been used by cyber-criminals for many years and it simply works. Since the virus can be detected if uploaded on legitimate and well known sites, scammers usually upload the setup as a torrent program, fake game installer or program installation wizard on various suspicious websites that are not confirmed.

Other methods, even though less likely could be if the virus arrives on your computer via a shared web link somewhere online that executes a drive-by download and infects your PC after clicking on it.

Windows Product Key Virus – More Information

As soon as this Trojan infects your computer it may drop and execute it’s payload which begins modifying your Windows Registry Editor heavily. One of the registry entries which may be modified is the Screensaver entry. The virus may add the lockscreen as a modified screensaver which is interactive in order to display the Windows Product Key virus message. Once there, it may lock you out of your Windows Desktop and even a system restart may not help you with it. The lockscreen looks like the following:

Message from the screen:

Windows defender prevented an unrecognized and malicious software on your computer. Please enter your Windows Product Key. The Product Key should be label on the card inside the box that Windows Disk came in or in the confirmation email you received after buying it. If you have upgraded Windows 10, you have digital license instead of a Key. A Product Key is a 25 character code used to active Windows. it looks like this:
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

CUSTOMER SUPPORT: 1-888-970-4294”

In addition to this, since this is a Trojan Horse, it may also be configured to perform multiple other activities, such as:

• Install other malware on your computer.
• Delete different system files from your PC.
• Extract different information from your computer.

Luckily for victims, this virus is solvable and it can be easily unlocked as researchers have established.

Before actually being able to remove this virus, you will have to unlock it. Here are the instructions, provided by security experts that can help you unlock the Microsoft Windows Product Key Lockscreen:

Step 1: On “Product Key”, enter the following key: B2563-51757-EDC62-429B8-F56AD and press “OK”.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear, named “Support Override”. Click “OK” once more.
Step 3: A pop-up with a field to type in will also appear. In it, enter the 13764675 code and click “OK” once more and the lockscreen should disappear, allowing you to proceed with the removal.

Since the Windows Product Key lockscreen is a Trojan horse type of malware, it is recommended that you follow the removal instructions down below. They are specifically created to help you remove this virus either manually or automatically. Be advised that experts often advise for automatic removal, since this malware may create multiple different objects on your computer that may make manual removal tricky. The best method to automatically remove the Windows Product Key virus is to download an advanced anti-malware software which will detect all the files and objects that cause harm to your computer and remove them.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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