# Device replacement (/enterprise-offline/sc-key-server/device-replacement)

A replacement keeps the same seat. You never need to buy another seat for it.

## Operating system reinstallation [#operating-system-reinstallation]

If the device's existing identity and SC Key can be restored, the installation continues as before. Otherwise, an authorized administrator processes a replacement activation against the original seat.

## Planned device replacement [#planned-device-replacement]

<Steps>
<Step>

IT finds the user and the original device in SC Key Server.

</Step>
<Step>

IT deactivates or wipes SonicCloud on the old device during handover.

</Step>
<Step>

An authorized administrator marks the earlier activation as replaced.

</Step>
<Step>

The new computer activates and receives a new SC Key for the same seat.

</Step>
</Steps>

<Callout title="Example">
  Seat 042 moves to a new laptop. The organization still has 100 seats, so no
  seat 101 is needed.
</Callout>

## Lost or unavailable device [#lost-or-unavailable-device]

An authorized administrator can approve a replacement and record the reason. The old device keeps working until its key expires unless that installation is disabled, so include this in your device retirement procedure.

Next: [Expiration and offline use](/enterprise-offline/sc-key-server/expiration-and-offline-use).