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how can I reuse a product key to activate windows 10 on another laptop after previous laptop damaged

Dennis Cobb 20 Reputation points
2025-12-12T17:23:57.1266667+00:00

I have a laptop that I installed windows 10 and activated with product code. that machine was damaged by water and no longer functional. I located another older laptop and want to activate the windows 10 installation using the retail product code previously used on the damaged machine. but getting error code 0xc004f050. The other machine will not turn on, and the drive will not spin up, I unlinked from my account.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-12T17:24:14.9433333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To reuse a product key to activate Windows 10 on another laptop, you need to ensure that the product key is not currently in use. Since your previous laptop is damaged and you have unlinked the product key from your Microsoft account, you should be able to use it on the new laptop. However, the error code 0xC004F050 indicates that the product key is invalid, which can happen for a couple of reasons:

    1. Prerequisite Updates: Ensure that all prerequisite updates for Windows 10 are installed on the new laptop. Sometimes, missing updates can lead to activation issues.
    2. Correct Product Key: Double-check that you are entering the correct product key. Typos or using a key from a different version of Windows can cause this error.
    3. Restart the Computer: After entering the product key, restart the laptop and try activating again.

    If you continue to face issues, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance with the activation process.

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  1. Neil D 30,165 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-12T19:01:53.0466667+00:00

    If you bought a retail licence that came with a product key you should really use the product key to activate the other machine.

    As you have deleted that old machine from your account you may not be able to use the activation troubleshooter to transfer the licence. You can try though to see if it shows the older (damaged) machine as available to transfer.

    If you are trying to use a product key be sure it is not a generic key

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/95922-generic-product-keys-install-windows-10-editions.html these cannot be used to activate without a valid licence.

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