Where if my Product Key if I want to re-install?

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  1. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #1

    Where is my Product Key if I want to re-install?


    I have an activated version of Windows 10 (obtained through the Insider program last year).

    My machine is beginning to get a bit slow, so would like to do a re-install.

    Now, since I don't have a traditional DVD box with the product key, how would I go about re-intalling Windows? Obviously I can burn the latest ISO build onto a DVD, but what about my product key? How would I activate it?

    Thanks.
    Last edited by tengeezer; 11 Jun 2016 at 09:21.
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  2. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #2

    If you do have an activated Windows 10, then you have the digital entitlement.
    You are entitled to reinstall the Same Windows 10 version in the Same computer as often as you want, whenever you want.
    With digital entitlement, you do NOT need product key when you reinstall Windows 10.
    Activation is automatic.
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  3. Posts : 30,530
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #3

    Like davidhk said. But if you really want to see your windows key, I would suggest Belarc advisor. It will give you some useful information about your system, product keys of your software is among them (not only Microsoft, you will have listed most of your keys).
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    davidhk said:
    If you do have an activated Windows 10, then you have the digital entitlement.
    You are entitled to reinstall the Same Windows 10 version in the Same computer as often as you want, whenever you want.
    With digital entitlement, you do NOT need product key when you reinstall Windows 10.
    Activation is automatic.
    Thanks. But how does MS know it's the same system? What if I upgrade my machine, e.g. my motherboard / cpu ?
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  5. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    AndreTen said:
    Like davidhk said. But if you really want to see your windows key, I would suggest Belarc advisor. It will give you some useful information about your system, product keys of your software is among them (not only Microsoft, you will have listed most of your keys).
    Cheers, will check it out.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #6

    tengeezer said:
    Thanks. But how does MS know it's the same system? What if I upgrade my machine, e.g. my motherboard / cpu ?
    New motherboard = new computer.
    You no longer have the digital entitlement. You won't get activated automatically. You might be able to call Microsoft Support and talk them into activating your system.

    I posted this question not too long ago.
    Please read the answer given by Brink, out forum Admin.
    I would like to have a definitive Answer, please.
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  7. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    davidhk said:
    You might be able to call Microsoft Support and talk them into activating your system.
    Might be? You mean the license belongs to the computer, not to me?
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  8. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #8

    tengeezer said:
    Might be? You mean the license belongs to the computer, not to me?
    That is correct. If you read the terms of the free upgrade promotional offer, Microsoft only offered to upgrade DEVICES running Windows 7/8/8.1 for free.

    Windows 10

    Qualified Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 devices can upgrade for free.
    How to Upgrade to Windows 10 - Microsoft

    Windows Offer Details

    Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; internet access fees may apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.

    Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own.
    If the previous operating system was an OEM version pre-installed on the computer, then the license has always belonged to that computer only. If the previous operating system was a retail version purchased separately, then you can move that version of Windows to another computer, as long as you remove Windows from the first computer.
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  9. Posts : 1,481
    W10 22H2 19045.3031
       #9

    tengeezer said:
    I have an activated version of Windows 10 (obtained through the Insider program last year).

    Thanks.
    Do the same rules apply since the OP was talking about an "insider version"
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #10

    meebers said:
    Do the same rules apply since the OP was talking about an "insider version"
    Yes the same applies. There was nothing in the insider program that promised the person would obtain a free, transferrable license for Windows 10 for participating in the program.
      My Computer


 

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