General Category > General Discussion
General Computer Issues
flamepanther:
If you had Windows 10 before, it should either be linked to your Microsoft account (if you upgraded) or a hardware ID (if it came preinstalled). If your hardware hasn't changed, or if you connect the same Microsoft account, Windows should activate itself automatically.
I'm guessing you had a different version of Windows before, and decided to upgrade now that you're reinstalling the OS anyway. I believe the "free upgrade to Windows 10" promotion ended some time ago, but apparently it still works--they just don't nag you to do it anymore:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/
So if you get tired of the default wallpaper and watermark, you could reinstall your old OS and then follow the upgrade process.
Tech13:
--- Quote from: Dr.Agon on October 27, 2018, 05:53:04 PM ---
--- Quote from: wiggy on October 27, 2018, 03:46:07 PM ---You can’t just pull a product key from another activated windows machine.
--- End quote ---
It was worth a try...
Oh well, only wasted 10 minutes
Here's a thought, I have a genuine new copy of win8.1 with key, could I install that then upgrade/update to win10 and have an activated/fully licensed win10?
--- End quote ---
Also the freebie upgrade days are over.
flamepanther:
--- Quote from: Tech13 on October 28, 2018, 04:14:24 PM ---Also the freebie upgrade days are over.
--- End quote ---
Officially. But upgrading still results in a valid license. And it's not even like Microsoft doesn't want you to do it, either. It's more like "we took that off the menu, but you can still order it."
Bear78:
--- Quote from: flamepanther on October 28, 2018, 06:03:12 PM ---
--- Quote from: Tech13 on October 28, 2018, 04:14:24 PM ---Also the freebie upgrade days are over.
--- End quote ---
Officially. But upgrading still results in a valid license. And it's not even like Microsoft doesn't want you to do it, either. It's more like "we took that off the menu, but you can still order it."
--- End quote ---
This. You can still do an in-place upgrade from 8.1 to 10 using a licensed copy of 8.1. You got to do some google fu to fine the right download but it's still out there and valid.
Dr.Agon:
Can confirm the "win8.1-to-win10" free upgrade still works, got "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account" Yay!
Still need to sit through the windows updates...