# How to move NotchStar to a new Mac

> Deactivate the old Mac, install NotchStar on the new one and activate with the same key. Clipboard and shelf do not move, there is no sync or export.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/move-notchstar-to-new-mac/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

To move NotchStar to a new Mac, deactivate the license on the old Mac, install the app on the new one and activate with the same key. Your license does not expire, and it covers up to 3 Macs, so you can also keep both running.

## Steps

1. On the old Mac, open Settings, License and press **Deactivate this Mac**. See [deactivating a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/). Skip this if the old Mac is already gone and you have fewer than 3 active.
2. On the new Mac, [install NotchStar from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/).
3. Open Settings, License, paste your key and press Activate.

If the key says it is on 3 Macs, free a slot first. If the old Mac cannot be reached, write to hello@notchstar.com.

## What moves and what does not

- License: moves, as above.
- Settings such as the open mode and tool order: stored per Mac. NotchStar has no sync or export, so set them again.
- Clipboard history: in memory and cleared when you quit, so there is nothing to move.
- File shelf: remembers file locations and is cleared when you quit.
- [Quick Notes](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/): stored in the app's preferences on the old Mac. There is no export button. Copy the text out before you leave if you need it.

macOS Migration Assistant may carry app files over when it sets up a Mac. Whether your NotchStar settings come along depends on that tool, and NotchStar does not manage it.

The new Mac starts its own 7 day trial at first launch, but the key makes that irrelevant.

## Quick answers.

### Can I use the key on the new Mac while the old one still works?

Yes, up to 3 Macs at a time.

## Keep reading.

- [How to deactivate NotchStar on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/): Open Settings, License and press Deactivate this Mac. That frees one of your 3 activations so the same key can go on another Mac.
- [How to install NotchStar from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/): Download the NotchStar disk image, drag the app to Applications and open it. The star appears in the menu bar and the notch is ready.
- [How to activate your NotchStar license key](https://www.notchstar.com/help/activate-notchstar-license-key/): Buy NotchStar, then paste the key in Settings, License and press Activate. One key works on up to 3 of your Macs. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [A scratchpad that is always one hover away](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/): A plain text scratchpad in the notch that saves as you type. Jot down a number, a name or a to do without opening another app.

## More in Licence and billing.

- [How to activate your NotchStar license key](https://www.notchstar.com/help/activate-notchstar-license-key/): Buy NotchStar, then paste the key in Settings, License and press Activate. One key works on up to 3 of your Macs. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [What happens when the NotchStar trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/): After 7 days the tool area shows a buy prompt. Your notes, clipboard and settings are not deleted or hidden. Enter a key and the tools return.
- [How to get a NotchStar refund](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-refund/): Email hello@notchstar.com within 7 days of buying NotchStar and you get a refund. Payments go through Dodo Payments. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [Can you use one NotchStar license on 3 Macs](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/): One NotchStar license works on up to 3 of your own Macs for $4 once. Use the same key on each and free a slot by deactivating. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [How to deactivate NotchStar on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/): Open Settings, License and press Deactivate this Mac. That frees one of your 3 activations so the same key can go on another Mac.
- [NotchStar license key not working](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-key-not-working/): If NotchStar says a key is not valid, already on 3 Macs, or cannot reach the server, here is what each message means and what to do.