How to upgrade hardware on a digital-entitlement installation


  1. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    How to upgrade hardware on a digital-entitlement installation


    I rebuild my computer every few years, like I'm sure most people do. In Win7, I could move to new hardware with certain restrictions of course.

    Then I read this: "If you have a retail license, you can transfer your Windows 10 license to a new PC without issue. You can not transfer your Digital Entitlement to a new system."

    My Windows 7 WAS a retail license, but now in 10 it say digital-entitlement.
    Does this mean that by accepting the upgrade to 10 from Windows 7, everyone loses the ability to upgrade their hardware in the future without buying a new copy of Windows?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #2

    Yes, that is correct, basically you accepted the free upgrade from Win7 which gives you a W10 digital entitlement on that system. You can upgrade it with new drives, new memory and new CPU but a new motherboard will not automatically reactivate. This is one of those areas where I would contact Microsoft and look for a goodwill gesture on their part to reactivate you but I do not know what the official response will be.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 325
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    philc43 said:
    Yes, that is correct, basically you accepted the free upgrade from Win7 which gives you a W10 digital entitlement on that system. You can upgrade it with new drives, new memory and new CPU but a new motherboard will not automatically reactivate. This is one of those areas where I would contact Microsoft and look for a goodwill gesture on their part to reactivate you but I do not know what the official response will be.
    Are you sure about this? I read if your previous license was retail you copy of Windows 10 will remain retail.
    @basildane
    Use this guide to determine if you copy of Windows 10 is retail or oem. It would be nice if you let us know if it remained retail.

    Windows License Type - Determine if OEM, Retail, or Volume - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    My previous OS, Windows 7 Ultimate is most definitely Retail. I built the machine myself.
    And after allowing the strong-arm upgrade to 10, it is most definitely saying "digital entitlement".

    If this actually prevents people from upgrading hardware after they've been practically forced to upgrade, there are going to be a LOT of angry customers.

    Not saying I was tricked or forced, I wanted to upgrade, just saying.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Additional info:
    In activation panel, it says "digital entitlement".
    However, in the slmgr -dli output it says:
    Windows RETAIL Channel.

    With that I assume I'm good for the future.
    Thank you all for the tips.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #6

    This is taken from the Upgrade details:

    You do not get a product key with the free upgrade of Windows 10. Instead, the activation for the free offer of Windows 10 is registered on the Microsoft activation servers for the PC when you upgrade from an activated Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If you make a meaningful change to your PC's hardware (ex: motherboard), you may need to contact customer support to activate by phone.

    This statement seems to imply that you will be activated but that it will require a phone call.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #7

    My understanding is that the free upgrade can't be transferred. Your old Windows 7 retail license could be used on another system (one system at a time), but the Windows 10 upgrade wouldn't follow it. I assumed that was the plan all along for Microsoft, to give Windows 10 away for free, but eventually, people would have to end up paying for it to keep it. But, remember, we are a small group who build their own computers. The vast majority of people will just buy new computers over time that will come with Windows 10.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #8

    DeaconFrost said:
    My understanding is that the free upgrade can't be transferred. Your old Windows 7 retail license could be used on another system (one system at a time), but the Windows 10 upgrade wouldn't follow it. I assumed that was the plan all along for Microsoft, to give Windows 10 away for free, but eventually, people would have to end up paying for it to keep it. But, remember, we are a small group who build their own computers. The vast majority of people will just buy new computers over time that will come with Windows 10.
    There is a new system now to transfer digital licences that will be available from 2nd August with Redstone update. i have moved licences between VMs using it as it is in latest Insider versions.

    How to re-activate Windows 10 after a hardware change | Windows Central

    Whether this can be used to transfer licences that were upgraded from oem remains to be seen.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #9

    Hopefully, your retail licence will let you use W10 on a new PC. I just checked on Amazon UK at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Pro...rds=windows+10 and you can buy a Windows 10 key for £30 so the cost of a new licence if needed is not excessive.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 928
    Win 10
       #10

    Steve C said:
    Hopefully, your retail licence will let you use W10 on a new PC. I just checked on Amazon UK at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Pro...rds=windows+10 and you can buy a Windows 10 key for £30 so the cost of a new licence if needed is not excessive.
    Would not touch that amazon key with a 10 foot pole. Too cheap
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 15:37.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums