Can I Use My Laptop Windows Key On My Desktop?

It’s normal to wonder whether Windows allows you to use your key to activate it on two or more devices. That’s because you, the owner of the licensed key, reserve the right for the digital entitlement. But is it possible to use your laptop Windows key on your PC? 

Can you use your laptop’s Windows key on your desktop?

You can use your laptop Windows 10 Key on your desktop if you’re using a retail copy or upgraded from 8 or 7. However, it’s important to note that activation greatly hinges on the type of Windows licenses you have. 

If you upgrade to Windows 10 using a retail copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you can transfer the Windows 10 key from your laptop to your desktop. That’s because Microsoft allows customers to upgrade and keep the retail rights from where the key was derived. 

Since Microsoft doesn’t permit the transfer of OEM Windows, you cannot transfer your Windows 10 from your laptop to your desktop if you upgraded to 10 from OEM Windows 7 or 8. 

Your laptop’s Windows 10 key wouldn’t activate your desktop if it came from the original equipment manufacturer.

A retail Windows 10 product key can be transferred, though it must first be uninstalled. Once uninstalled, you can then go on to install it on your desktop. 

How To Uninstall Windows 10 Key

Although Microsoft allows users to move or transfer Windows 10 keys to other devices, it doesn’t allow simultaneous key usage. It means you must first uninstall the product key from your laptop. 

The good thing is that uninstalling a key is not rocket science and will take a few minutes to complete. 

Launch Command Prompt

Launching the command prompt is the first step towards uninstalling your Windows 10 keys from your laptop. Here’s how:

  • To launch the app, you must manually click the Start button and search for the Command Prompt
  • Alternatively, you can type cmd in the search bar on the left side of the taskbar and press Enter to launch the app as an administrator.  

Enter Commands

Once you’ve launched the command prompt, you must type in slmgr /dlv to get your activation ID. 

Some users prefer skipping this step, instead opting to type slmgr /upk directly to uninstall the product key. 

Note: While there won’t be much difference, typing slmgr /dlv lets you know more about your product key’s status. It can come in handy if you bought a second-hand laptop (or were gifted) and don’t know the license type of the key. 

After typing the command, a detailed message box will pop up and provide more information about your PC’s license status, meaning you’ll also learn whether you’re using a retail or OEM license. 

Windows Script Host license information.

The activation ID is mostly on the third line from the top, right above the application ID, as observed in the image below. 

Windows Script Host activation ID.

Copy and paste the activation ID after typing slmgr /upk on the command prompt to resemble the image below. 

Command Prompt slmgr example.

Once you’ve keyed in the above command, press Enter, and you’ll see a notification that the product key is successfully uninstalled. Receiving this prompt from Windows means you can proceed to install the product key on your desktop. 

Note: you won’t be allowed to activate an OEM product key on your desktop. So, if the command prompt notifies you that the product key on your laptop is OEM, you’ll need to purchase your product key separately to activate your desktop. 

Windows 10 Activation Via PC With a Laptop Key

As mentioned, Microsoft allows you to use the same product key on your devices. 

However, it must be licensed for retail, and you must uninstall it on the previous device before making any new installations

Below are steps to observe when activating Windows 10 on your desktop using your laptop’s key.

Launch the Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt to install or uninstall a product key. 

Type cmd on the search button on the taskbar, press Enter, and wait for Command Prompt to launch. 

You can also manually take the longer route search for the Command Prompt, then choose the Run as Administrator option.  

Paste Your Product Key As You Enter Commands

When installing your product key on your desktop, you’ll need to paste it immediately after typing the slmgr /ipk command. 

Your command should appear like this:

slmgr /ipk xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx

Where x is your product key. 

Once you press Enter (and your product key is valid), you’ll receive a prompt notifying you the product key has been installed successfully. 

You can also confirm the license status and whether your Windows has been fully activated by typing:

slmgr /dlv

PC Windows 10 Activation Via Support Assistance 

Some users complain of difficulties in activating Windows 10 using the Command Prompt. If you experience such problems, you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance on activation, as explained below. 

Note: these tips apply if you have a retail license, as activations will be unsuccessful using OEM licenses. 

Learn how to activate Windows 10 on your desktop using support assistance.

Launch Command Prompt

Type cmd on your search bar and press enter to launch Command Prompt directly as an administrator. 

Once Command Prompt has launched, the next step is typing your command. 

In this case, you shall type:

slui 4

And press Enter.

Doing so will allow the activation wizard to pop up, which will help you get in contact with Microsoft’s support team. 

Choose Your Country and Call Microsoft

The next step is straightforward. Choose your country or region and press Next to continue the process. 

A prompt will appear once you’ve pressed Next, allowing you to call and explain your issue to the support team. An installation ID will appear on your screen, which you should share with Microsoft’s agent before entering the confirmation ID sent to you.

After entering the confirmation ID, press the activate Windows button as indicated below. Your desktop should now have an activated Windows 10. 

You might need to restart your device after completing the activation process.