Is my sequence correct for Booting from Macrium Reflect and Restoring

1. You have the correct sequence.

2. If you have any trouble booting the new machine on the restored image... use the "Fix boot issues" on the Macrium bootable rescue media.

3. Yes you will need a new key... most likely for the new machine, since the old one is already tied to IT'S key.

therealsimpsons said:

I just want to clarify. I'm not installing a new Win10 on the new machine. It will be part of the restore, yes? So my present key should be good for the new machine, yes?

IF you use the key for the new machine, it will become invalid for the old machine.
One key per machine.

The Windows key is tied to the motherboard of the machine it's on. The original machine it was on.
Windows 10 will function w/o a product key. However, you will not be able to use any of the "personalization functions" on the machine.

How Microsoft's automatic key verification will function for you... who knows. But they will "bust" one of your comps for having an invalid key. One key for one machine.

One key for two machines... WILL NOT WORK.


Microsoft will NOT fall for legal loopholes.

therealsimpsons said:

I should have said, of course I'm going to buy a new key, however, I think it will be easier to buy it for the old machine, or doesn't it make a difference?

Don't worry. I'm not gonna call MS.

MS may catch you in 5 mins or 5 days or 5 weeks, but they WILL catch you. (probably instantly).

When a comp MS doesn't recognize, goes online...MS will check it's product key. Since MS ties a product key to a computer's motherboard, the new machine will probably fail the test.

The ONLY way you MIGHT get this to work, is if the old machine, never goes online again. And even then you're gonna have to call MS and beg... for them to allow the old product key to be transferred to a new computer.


Another option is if you have an old Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 key (that's no longer in use) ...you CAN use that on a clean install of Win 10, on the new machine.

therealsimpsons said:

I don't cheat. I just thought it would be easier. I will just buy a new key. I think its $118 on their website. Unless they've raised the price. BG needs money for vaccines.

That will be the easiest solution. Use the new key on the NEW machine. That too, will be the easiest solution.

Using an old Win 7, 8 or 8.1 key is NOT cheating... MS is still allowing that. They consider that an "upgrade".
MS insists that IF you use an old Win 7, 8 or 8.1 key that you only clean install the same version of Windows 10.

Like Home key for Home, Pro key for Pro... etc.