Windows 10 Product Key?

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  1. Posts : 436
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #1

    Windows 10 Product Key?


    First off, I know I don't need one to upgrade. However, at some future time I may want to wipe my PC and re-install, perhaps with a new motherboard, and I really don't want to go via Windows 7 if possible.

    Although I can't get my copy to Activate at the moment (I guess the server is a bit busy!) I did notice that the Activation window gave me the last few digits of a Product Key.

    I searched in RegEdit for these digits and found an entry named BackupProductKeyDefault*. Will this key work to do a clean install on a modified system?

    * In [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform]
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Nigel, :)

    Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

    Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 436
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks Brink, but I'd still like to know if the Product Key is valid.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    nigelmercier said:
    First off, I know I don't need one to upgrade. However, at some future time I may want to wipe my PC and re-install, perhaps with a new motherboard, and I really don't want to go via Windows 7 if possible.

    Although I can't get my copy to Activate at the moment (I guess the server is a bit busy!) I did notice that the Activation window gave me the last few digits of a Product Key.

    I searched in RegEdit for these digits and found an entry named BackupProductKeyDefault*. Will this key work to do a clean install on a modified system?

    * In [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform]
    You cannot use the upgraded product key to install Windows 10 clean.

    You must first upgrade a copy of Windows 7/8.1 on the machine you want to clean install on. Then, you can wipe the upgraded copy and reinstall, skipping any prompts for keys (there's a skip link). It will automatically activate if you have previously upgraded on that same machine.

    There is no way to to upgrade on a new machine without first going through an upgrade of an old OS, If it bothers you enough then you will have to buy a new license for Windows 10. (most people would rather save the money). It's just the cost of getting a free upgrade, jumping through a few hoops.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 97
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 | Windows 10 Home x64
       #5

    Mystere said:
    You cannot use the upgraded product key to install Windows 10 clean.

    You must first upgrade a copy of Windows 7/8.1 on the machine you want to clean install on. Then, you can wipe the upgraded copy and reinstall, skipping any prompts for keys (there's a skip link). It will automatically activate if you have previously upgraded on that same machine.

    There is no way to to upgrade on a new machine without first going through an upgrade of an old OS, If it bothers you enough then you will have to buy a new license for Windows 10. (most people would rather save the money). It's just the cost of getting a free upgrade, jumping through a few hoops.
    I did just that and it used the generic 10 key and told me it was a black listed and blocked key and that I need to buy one. So yeah this doesn't work,
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
       #6

    Mystere said:
    You cannot use the upgraded product key to install Windows 10 clean.

    You must first upgrade a copy of Windows 7/8.1 on the machine you want to clean install on. Then, you can wipe the upgraded copy and reinstall, skipping any prompts for keys (there's a skip link). It will automatically activate if you have previously upgraded on that same machine.

    There is no way to to upgrade on a new machine without first going through an upgrade of an old OS, If it bothers you enough then you will have to buy a new license for Windows 10. (most people would rather save the money). It's just the cost of getting a free upgrade, jumping through a few hoops.
    I tried to upgrade using the Media Tool. Twice, I tried to upgrade and it failed. I then created a USB and installed from there, which of course became a clean install. It won't accept my key that I got from Windows 8.1. So now I have a Win10 clean install and no key. Would Micorsoft or ASUS be able to give me one?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    jeffasaul said:
    I tried to upgrade using the Media Tool. Twice, I tried to upgrade and it failed. I then created a USB and installed from there, which of course became a clean install. It won't accept my key that I got from Windows 8.1. So now I have a Win10 clean install and no key. Would Micorsoft or ASUS be able to give me one?
    Hello Jeff, and welcome to Ten Forums.

    It sounds like you may need to install and activate 8.1 again, then try to upgrade to Windows 10 again.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
       #8

    Brink said:
    Hello Jeff, and welcome to Ten Forums.

    It sounds like you may need to install and activate 8.1 again, then try to upgrade to Windows 10 again.
    Can you downgrade from 10? I don't have any installation discs for 8.1. I know there is a folder on my C: Drive now that say Windows_Old.

    I guess if I downgrade, then I should just wait until MS decides to upgrade it, and then clean install? Sigh.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Jeff,

    If you upgraded to 10 from 8.1 and didn't delete the Windows.old folder, then you could use the method in the tutorial below to go back to 8.1 if it hasn't been over a month since updating.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4097-windows-10-go-back-previous-windows.html

    If the above is not an option, then you can download an official Windows 8.1 ISO using OPTION ONE below that you can use to create a bootable USB to clean install 8.1.

    Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
       #10

    Brink said:
    Jeff,

    If you upgraded to 10 from 8.1 and didn't delete the Windows.old folder, then you could use the method in the tutorial below to go back to 8.1 if it hasn't been over a month since updating.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4097-windows-10-go-back-previous-windows.html

    If the above is not an option, then you can download an official Windows 8.1 ISO using OPTION ONE below that you can use to create a bootable USB to clean install 8.1.

    Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create
    Awesome. I will try tonight. Thanks!
      My Computer


 

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