How to Move Scrivener to a New Computer

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Deactivate on the old computer

   Copy steps
   1. Mac: Scrivener menu > Deactivate Licence
   2. Windows: Help > Deactivate Scrivener
   3. The old copy reverts to trial mode
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Install and register on the new computer

   Copy steps
   1. Download Scrivener from literatureandlatte.com (or the Mac App Store if you bought it there)
   2. Enter your serial number and the name/email from the purchase
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Move your projects and settings

   Copy steps
   1. Copy every .scriv project folder (and the Backups folder) to the new computer
   2. Mac to Mac: Migration Assistant also copies them
   3. Open each project once to check it
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. If the old computer died

   Copy steps
   1. Install on the new computer and register with your existing serial - deactivation isn't strictly required
   2. Contact support if you hit an activation limit
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Switching from Mac to Windows (or back)

   Copy steps
   1. Buy the other platform's licence, or the $37.95 crossgrade if you bought directly from Literature & Latte
   2. Projects open on both platforms; Windows users open the project folder
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

You got a new computer and need Scrivener and your projects on it, or the new computer says the licence is already in use.

Why it happens

• Licence still active on the old computer
• Switching platforms (Mac to Windows) needs a separate licence
• Projects left behind on the old drive

This guide also covers

• scrivener new computer
• scrivener transfer license
• scrivener deactivate license
• scrivener mac to windows

Other Scrivener errors

• Scrivener Won't Open or Not Responding
• Scrivener Project Already Open Error
• Scrivener Compile Missing Text or Chapters
• Why Is Scrivener So Slow? Typing Lag & Laggy Scrolling
• Scrivener iOS Not Syncing With Dropbox
• Scrivener Sync Conflicts Detected
• How to Recover Lost Work in Scrivener
• Scrivener Project Corrupted in OneDrive or iCloud