How to know if activation is NOT an insider build?

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  1. Posts : 1,249
    Windows 8.1, Win10Pro
       #1

    How to know if activation is NOT an insider build?


    I've been using this machine for Insider builds since the beginning, which started with an update from Win8.1.

    I had problems with updates with some builds, so a while back, I did a clean install of one of the Insider builds.

    Then, when the Release came out, I used the Media Creation tool to do another clean install. My intent was to end up with a permanently activated Upgrade version of Win10.

    After that, I left the Insider program, as I am not interested in doing any more testing.

    And, I did the "slmgr stuff" and confirmed that (1) the license is permanently activated, and (2) it says Retail channel. So, I though it was "good to go".

    But recently, I've seen threads from folks that said THEIR clean installs resulted in unique license keys -- and mine is one of the generic keys. And, when I check Windows Update, it has a button to restart Insider builds.

    So ... have I ended up with an "insider" version of Win10 -- one that is really going to expire? I thought that if you did a clean-install of Win10 on a machine that had previously been activated, and did that from the Media Creation Tool, you would get a permanent Retail version!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,983
    Windows 10 x86 14383 Insider Pro and Core 10240
       #2

    I think it is fair to say that although the Insider program offered a free "ride" on Windows 10, it did not offer a free "ride for life" - the payback is that you keep supporting the Insider program, by staying in touch by the facility of your MSA, and allowing the telemetry that gauges your PCs response to their developmment of the system.

    There is no obligation to proactively offer feedback although it is occasionally solicited, and welcomed by Microsoft if you wish to let them know what you think.

    If you choose to leave the program there are dates published when certain builds will fail to operate - but if you remain within the program, your upgraded system will have a lifetime in excess of the previous version.

    I guess if you end up with a free ride for life, you will tell us all about it - good luck to you!
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 0
    Dual Boot 10 Pro v1607 10 Pro rs2 build 14971
       #3

    Run winver it will tell you if you have an evaluation copy or not. It sounds like you have a non insider version if it says you can restart insider builds.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,799
    Linux Mint 20.1 Win10Prox64
       #4

    Win+X->System. You'll get a screen. Look at Windows Edition. If it say
    1. Windows 10 Pro then you have the RTM version
    2. Windows Insider then you have Insider version.


    NOTE:
    For Insider build 10525. They did put back the Water Mark


    How to know if activation is NOT an insider build?-.jpg

    How to know if activation is NOT an insider build?-.png
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,249
    Windows 8.1, Win10Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Fafhrd said:
    I think it is fair to say that although the Insider program offered a free "ride" on Windows 10, it did not offer a free "ride for life"!
    I'm NOT lookin for a free "ride for life" as I already said I upgraded from Win8.1 when I did the Insider install -- which, according to what I've read in these forums, was supposed to have registered my hardware hash with MS -- which would have then activated Win10 on my PC. I've read numerous times that if you do that, you can clean-install Win10 to the same device again and again and it will remain activated.

    All I'm asking is if others have done this, did they get a unique product key? (as I did not)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,249
    Windows 8.1, Win10Pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    topgundcp said:
    Win+X->System. You'll get a screen. Look at Windows Edition. If it say
    1. Windows 10 Pro then you have the RTM version
    2. Windows Insider then you have Insider version.


    Mine says "Windows 10 Pro" in the Windows edition section -- but the Product ID is slightly different than yours -- the last four characters are different.

    So, I guess that means I'm safe in presuming that mine is a permanent activation.

    I'm asking because I don't want to start migrating a bunch of apps over to Win10 only to have it expire on me.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #7

    If you upgraded from a qualifying OS (which you say you did), and you are not receiving Insider builds, then you should be good to go. Yes, you should be able to clean install as often as you need/like. If you do the slmgr /dlv and /xpr that should tell you what you need to know. I will mention this: I am on a system which used TPs from the start on a clean disk - no upgrade - and I am in the slow ring, so I have not been offered 10525 yet, and when I do the slmgr commands, it looks like mine is 10240 retail and permanently activated. But, mine is receiving insider builds still, and that's the difference.

    I have read here both ways regarding the keycode - some have gotten generic and some seem to have gotten unique. Could be the difference between OEM and Retail upgrades. I guess the telltale sign will be when 10525 is released to slow ring, and then to general public. You should not be seeing it until general release. And, since you are no longer receiving tech previews, I think you are fine. That computer is linked to your MSA, which is why you have the option to opt-back-in again. I think you're okay.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 59
    Windows 10
       #8

    Mark Phelps said:
    [/LIST]

    Mine says "Windows 10 Pro" in the Windows edition section -- but the Product ID is slightly different than yours -- the last four characters are different.

    So, I guess that means I'm safe in presuming that mine is a permanent activation.

    I'm asking because I don't want to start migrating a bunch of apps over to Win10 only to have it expire on me.
    If it stated retail when you run slmgr -dlv, you are permanently activated for that device. Unique product key is only available for those who purchased Windows 10 license. For every upgrade, the installation will use generic product keys depending on the edition that's being installed. Activation is not based on product key, it is based on unique machine ID generated from your installed hardware/devices and Microsoft stored this information on their activation server and will be their reference for activation whenever you do a clean install later. It's also the reason why your product ID is different.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 719
    win 7 dual boot / 10
       #9

    Mark Phelps said:
    [/LIST]

    Mine says "Windows 10 Pro" in the Windows edition section -- but the Product ID is slightly different than yours -- the last four characters are different.

    So, I guess that means I'm safe in presuming that mine is a permanent activation.

    I'm asking because I don't want to start migrating a bunch of apps over to Win10 only to have it expire on me.
    I have a rtm and a new insider build both are activated. One say expire date other has no expire date. Run winver to get.
    How to know if activation is NOT an insider build?-winver10240.pngHow to know if activation is NOT an insider build?-winver-10525.jpg
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 96
    Windows 10 Pro v1703 64-bit
       #10

    The activation is permanent, even if you are an insider.
    I tried this myself.

    Since Win10 has this new device-based activation system, once the edition in question is activated on your PC, you can do as many clean installs as you want, they will just reactivate.

    Even if you opt out of the Insider Program.
      My Computer


 

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