How to Transfer PC Matic to a New Computer
Transferring your PC Matic subscription to a new computer is a straightforward process that ensures your new device receives the same comprehensive protection as your old one. Whether you've purchased a new computer, are replacing an old machine, or simply want to move your subscription to a different device, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
PC Matic uses a device-based licensing system, which means your subscription allows you to protect a specific number of devices. When you get a new computer, you'll need to deactivate PC Matic on your old device before activating it on the new one, unless you have a multi-device license with available slots.
Following the proper transfer procedure is essential to avoid licensing issues and ensure continuous protection for all your devices. This guide covers everything from preparation and deactivation to installation and activation on your new computer.
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Note: If you have a multi-device license with available slots, you may not need to deactivate PC Matic on your old computer before installing it on your new one. Check your account dashboard to see how many devices you can protect simultaneously.
Proper preparation ensures a smooth transition of your PC Matic subscription to your new computer. Follow these steps before beginning the transfer process:
Pre-Transfer Checklist
Important: If you're disposing of or selling your old computer, ensure you properly deactivate PC Matic first to prevent unauthorized use of your license and perform a full factory reset to protect your personal data.
Before installing PC Matic on your new computer, you should properly deactivate it on your old device if you have a single-device license or want to free up a license slot. Follow these steps:
Launch the PC Matic application on your old computer. You can typically find it in your Start Menu or by searching for "PC Matic" in the search bar.
Navigate to the "My Account" or "Account" section within the application. This is usually located in the main menu or settings area.
Look for an option labeled "Deactivate," "Remove Device," or "Transfer License." Click this option to begin the deactivation process.
Confirm that you want to deactivate PC Matic on this device. The application may ask for a reason for deactivation—select "Transferring to new computer" or similar.
Wait for the confirmation message indicating that PC Matic has been successfully deactivated on your old computer.
Alternative Method: If you can't access your old computer or PC Matic won't launch, you can also deactivate devices through your online PC Matic account dashboard by logging in at www.pcmatic.com.
Once you've deactivated PC Matic on your old computer, the next step is to download the installation file on your new device:
Open your web browser on the new computer and navigate to the official PC Matic website at www.pcmatic.com.
Click on the "Download" or "Get PC Matic" button, typically prominently displayed on the homepage.
Choose the appropriate version of PC Matic for your operating system (Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.). The website should automatically detect your OS.
Click the download button and save the installation file to your computer. The file is typically named "PCMaticSetup.exe" and is usually saved to your Downloads folder.
Ensure the download completes successfully before proceeding. The file size is typically between 50-100 MB.
Security Warning: Always download PC Matic directly from the official website (www.pcmatic.com) to avoid potentially harmful counterfeit versions from third-party sites.
With the installation file downloaded, you're ready to install PC Matic on your new computer:
Locate the downloaded installation file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to run the installer.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes" to allow the installer to make changes to your device.
The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Read and accept the End User License Agreement to proceed.
Select where you want PC Matic to be installed. The default location is typically recommended for most users.
Click "Install" to begin the installation process. This may take several minutes. Once completed, click "Finish" to launch PC Matic.
Tip: During installation, you may be prompted to uninstall other security software. It's recommended to remove conflicting programs to ensure optimal performance.
After installation, you need to activate PC Matic using your existing license:
Open the newly installed PC Matic application on your new computer. It may launch automatically after installation.
When prompted, enter your activation key or your account credentials (email and password) associated with your PC Matic subscription.
Follow any additional prompts to complete the activation process. You may need to agree to terms or confirm your subscription details.
Once activation is complete, verify that your subscription details are correctly displayed in the application, including the expiration date.
Run an initial system scan to ensure your new computer is protected and to familiarize yourself with PC Matic's features.
Activation Issues? If you encounter problems during activation, ensure you've properly deactivated PC Matic on your old computer. If issues persist, contact PC Matic support with your activation key and account details.
If you encounter problems during the transfer process, these solutions may help:
This typically means PC Matic wasn't properly deactivated on your old computer. Ensure you've followed the deactivation steps correctly, or deactivate through your online account dashboard.
Double-check that you've entered the key correctly, paying attention to similar characters like 0 (zero) and O (letter O). If problems persist, contact PC Matic support.
Ensure your new computer meets system requirements, temporarily disable other security software during installation, and run the installer as administrator.
If your old computer is unusable, contact PC Matic support with your account details. They can manually deactivate the license on their end.
This may indicate a billing issue. Contact PC Matic support with your payment details to resolve subscription status problems.
For persistent issues, PC Matic support can be reached through live chat, email, or phone. Have your activation key and account information ready when contacting support.
After successfully transferring PC Matic to your new computer, complete these final steps:
- Verify Protection Status: Confirm that PC Matic is actively protecting your new computer and that real-time scanning is enabled.
- Update Software: Check for and install any available updates to ensure you have the latest protection features.
- Configure Settings: Customize PC Matic settings according to your preferences, replicating any custom settings from your old computer.
- Perform Full System Scan: Run a comprehensive scan of your new computer to establish a protection baseline.
- Set Up Scheduling: Configure regular scan schedules to maintain consistent protection.
- Check Account Dashboard: Verify that your new computer appears correctly in your online account dashboard.
Old Computer Status
After transfer, your old computer should no longer show as protected in your PC Matic account. If you're keeping the device, ensure you have alternative protection installed.
New Computer Status
Your new computer should now appear as protected in your account dashboard with full access to all PC Matic features for the duration of your subscription.
If the standard transfer process doesn't work for your situation, consider these alternative approaches:
Using Your Online Account
You can manage all your devices through your PC Matic online account dashboard at www.pcmatic.com. This allows you to deactivate devices remotely and check your available licenses without accessing the application directly.
Contacting Support
If you're unable to resolve transfer issues yourself, PC Matic's customer support team can assist with manual license transfers, especially when dealing with hardware failures or inaccessible devices.
Multi-Device License Owners: If you have a license that covers multiple devices, you may simply install PC Matic on your new computer without deactivating the old one, provided you have available slots. Check your account dashboard to see how many devices you can protect simultaneously.
Transferring PC Matic to a new computer is a straightforward process when you follow the proper steps. By deactivating on your old device, downloading the software on your new computer, and activating with your existing license, you can maintain continuous protection without needing to purchase a new subscription.
Remember to always download PC Matic from the official website, keep your activation key or account credentials handy, and contact support if you encounter any issues during the transfer process. With PC Matic successfully installed on your new computer, you can enjoy the same comprehensive protection that kept your old device secure.
For the most current information about license transfers and any changes to the process, always refer to the official PC Matic website or contact their customer support directly.