Solved Transfer of Win 11 Activation?

My son just bought a new Windows 11 gaming computer and gave me his "old" 3 year old ABS gaming computer. Now he, of course, activated this 3 year old ABS computer when he first got it and I have successfully upgraded to Windows 11 23H2. It works just fine and is way more computer than I actually need (I am not and never have been a gamer) but he had installed dozens (and I mean dozens) of games and supposedly uninstalled them but some still show up in the apps list (I'm OCD and that drives me spare).

So, my questions are: Can I remove his "user", leaving me as the admin account and reinstall or reset Windows as the activation is linked to the hardware? Or do I just keep it the way it is and just use my account (leaving his) and just put up with the game listing in the apps menu?

If it were me, I would do a new, fresh, clean install. Then the computer would be all mine. The activation stays with the computer, so you're good there.

I agree with @TraderGary. If you decide to do a clean install and need help we are here for you.

Thanks, that was what I was hoping.

colinp said:

Thanks, that was what I was hoping.

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If you want an easy way to remove everything and reinstall, follow this tutorial to reset the windows pc and remove all files and programs:

I would use a utility such as Speccy or Aida64 to see exactly what hardware the computer is so to download appropriate drivers. Windows Update will probably automatically install drivers after installation, but to get better compatibility and expose all features I would at least manually update the chipset and graphics drivers. I would download the drivers beforehand and then proceed with the clean installation.

Although activation IS tied to the hardware, he can go to his MS account and remove that machine from his list of devices. (4th icon down>select the device"select remove device)

I agree with @andrew129260. I would do a system reset and remove everything. It returns the machine to an OOBE state. Once your account is established(if you use a MS account), you can go to that same link, sign in, and link that device to YOUR MS account.