Clean install with existing key

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  1. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #11

    NavyLCDR said:
    It is perfectly legal to use Windows 10 without activating it. That is exactly the reason Microsoft built the reduced functionality into it.
    Right, but does this also apply to retail?

    I.e. we think that it's perfectly legal to install an unactivated copy of Windows 10 if it's an insider build.

    But what if the user installed a retail copy from his official Win10 USB stick, without activating it. Are you still saying this is legal?
    Last edited by tengeezer; 11 Jun 2016 at 06:13.
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  2. Posts : 15,028
    Windows 10 IoT
       #12

    Retail still requires activation, via online or phone activation. You don't need an Internet connection to activate or stay activated, but at some point you will have to activate it or face reduced functionality. It's been like that for years now. The only exception is OEM-SLP activation for Windows 7 and earlier OS's. Windows 8/8.1 and 10, OEM and Retail, all activate online.
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  3. Posts : 15,028
    Windows 10 IoT
       #13

    The product key is only one half of the equation. It has to be verified that it is currently only in use on one device. Otherwise you could use that one key on several PC's which violates the EULA. Unless its a VL key, and that still requires online activation.
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  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #14

    NavyLCDR said:
    It is perfectly legal to use Windows 10 without activating it. That is exactly the reason Microsoft built the reduced functionality into it. Also an internet connection is not required for activation. Phone activation is available for Windows 10 just like the previous versions of Windows.
    I WAS WRONG ON THIS! This is from the Windows 10 EULA:

    5. Authorized Software and Activation. You are authorized to use this software only if you are properly licensed and the software has been properly activated with a genuine product key or by other authorized method. When you connect to the Internet while using the software, the software will automatically contact Microsoft or its affiliate to confirm the software is genuine and the license is associated with the licensed device. You can also activate the software manually by Internet or telephone.
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  5. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #15

    NavyLCDR said:
    I WAS WRONG ON THIS! This is from the Windows 10 EULA:

    5. Authorized Software and Activation. You are authorized to use this software only if you are properly licensed and the software has been properly activated with a genuine product key or by other authorized method. When you connect to the Internet while using the software, the software will automatically contact Microsoft or its affiliate to confirm the software is genuine and the license is associated with the licensed device. You can also activate the software manually by Internet or telephone.
    Hang on a second - does this part of the EULA refer to Insider builds as well, or just retail?
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  6. Posts : 3,502
    Win_8.1-Pro, Win_10.1607-Pro, Mint_17.3
       #16

    fwitkowski said:
    I'm waiting for my new SSD. Probably I will be doing this next weekend. I will update this thread once its done.
    I agree with Superfly - do a Clean install: Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums
    You have an existing digital entitlement because you previously upgraded, so skip any install pane that asks for a key.

    Connect the new SSD and when you get to the Where do you want to install phase, make sure the drive is empty.

    Just a precautionary comment ... one member recently got a new SSD and there was a partition on the drive. Having a partition on the drive does not allow Windows install to initialize it. I suppose it's only an issue if your system is UEFI based firmware.

    The other member just had to re-install and make sure the drive was empty.
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  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #17

    tengeezer said:
    Hang on a second - does this part of the EULA refer to Insider builds as well, or just retail?
    I'll have to look later tonight, my tablet has insider preview installed. Here you go, read section 4:

    https://insider.windows.com/Home/TermsOfUse
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  8. Posts : 15,028
    Windows 10 IoT
       #18

    tengeezer said:
    Hang on a second - does this part of the EULA refer to Insider builds as well, or just retail?
    Insider builds also require activation. They also fall under the same rules as the free upgrade. If you don't have a digital entitlement for Windows 10 on that device, or a valid product code to enter, it will not activate. Insider builds are treated the same way Retail builds are as far as installation and activation goes.
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  9. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #19

    NavyLCDR said:
    I'll have to look later tonight, my tablet has insider preview installed. Here you go, read section 4:

    Program Agreement - Windows Insider Program
    Not a single mention of activate or activation in there.
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  10. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #20

    alphanumeric said:
    Insider builds also require activation. They also fall under the same rules as the free upgrade. If you don't have a digital entitlement for Windows 10 on that device, or a valid product code to enter, it will not activate. Insider builds are treated the same way Retail builds are as far as installation and activation goes.
    Except that it's no longer possible to activate Insider builds on a fresh PC.

    Which means MS is indirectly promoting illegal use of their Insider builds by giving away the associated ISOs?

    Doesn't make any sense.
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