Share via

License Key for Virtual Machine

DeeDee 116 Reputation points
2024-10-07T16:53:44.38+00:00

I would like to know whether either of these are possible:

  • When creating a VirtualBox VM with Windows 11, on a licensed Windows 11 host, can I use the hosts' key to register the new Windows 11 installation in the VM? I expect the answer is no because this would be considered two machines.
  • Same VM, but can I use a key from an old Windows 10 machine which is basically dying (and the reason I want this new VM, to replace it)? I can unregister the Windows 10 machine, it still works sufficiently to do the slmgr /upk command on it.
Windows Licensing
Windows Licensing
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.Licensing: Rules, regulations, and restrictions that define how software can be used and distributed.
115 questions
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DeeDee 116 Reputation points
    2024-10-10T14:37:25.4533333+00:00

    Well, I tried it. Didn't work. Got the key from the old Win 10 Pro machine, ran the slmgr /upk command to deregister the key from that machine (successful response). Then tried using the key to activate the Win 11 virtual machine. Failed. It told me I can't use that key to activate.

    Do I feel bad leaving it in an unactivated state? No. I've got a key, they just don't want to accept it. I paid for it already. Not paying again for another key when I've got one that's not associated with any machine and should be valid.

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.