Microsoft quietly rewrites its activation rules for Windows 10

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  1. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #20

    bobjoe said:
    But upgrading to W10 from W7 will still be possible, even after July 2016?


    Last time I checked online, when you "upgrade" to W10, your current W7 or W8.1 key will simply be "granted the right" to activate W10. They're not giving you a new key, obviously, but your current one should activate W10.

    This is way more complicated than it should be...
    Not complicated, all you'll have to do is to dish out for W10 after that date. However, if you update before that date you will not need anything to update from.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 4,131
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       #21

    Say you upgraded a Retail Copy of windows 7 to free windows 10.. Your PC (device is activated for life)

    Then you change that PC's hardware in 6 months - MS sees this change to your PC, as a New Device

    You reinstall The retail copy of windows 7 - and phone activate the retail transfer - then upgrade to windows 10 again for free

    Say it was 18 months later, then you changed the PC hardware, once again MS sees this as a New Device
    You can transfer the windows 7 retail activation via phone transfer
    But You will need to purchase the windows 10 upgrade..
    As the free upgrade expired..
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #22

    Kyhi said:
    Say you upgraded a Retail Copy of windows 7 to free windows 10.. Your PC (device is activated for life)

    Then you change that PC's hardware in 6 months - MS sees this change to your PC, as a New Device

    You reinstall The retail copy of windows 7 - and phone activate the retail transfer - then upgrade to windows 10 again for free

    Say it was 18 months later, then you changed the PC hardware, once again MS sees this as a New Device
    You can transfer the windows 7 retail activation via phone transfer
    But You will need to purchase the windows 10 upgrade..
    As the free upgrade expired..
    If you do it that way, install 7, upgrade again, I'm thinking yes. You will have to pay to upgrade. Leave the OS intact, swap motherboards, call Microsoft, plead your case and you may be OK.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,131
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       #23

    MS has been very Kind to me, in a few cases..

    case in point:
    when windows 8.1 upgrade first came out via the store upgrade only.. (before media tool)

    I have 4 PC's connected to a 200MB per day satellite internet.. No way I was going to be able to upgrade 4 pc's with 3GB downloads at a limit of 200MB /day

    I requested a copy of the windows 8.1 pro disks.. I had already purchased the upgrade pro keys..
    Was very surprised to receive a Full Retail Windows 8.1 Pro Kit, including Key..

    Did not cost me a dime, just plead my case... Still have not used that key either..
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #24

    I'm sure that MS will make a way to transfer windows to another MB easier, doing it by phone is less practical for all, MS and customers. Skype method was not pleasant experience.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #25

    I've done several phone activations, all automated. I didn't even have to talk to a real person. All done with voice recognition. If you tell them the old hardware failed, and this is the only replacement you could get, they will almost always activate it for you.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #26

    alphanumeric said:
    I've done several phone activations, all automated. I didn't even have to talk to a real person. All done with voice recognition. If you tell them the old hardware failed, and this is the only replacement you could get, they will almost always activate it for you.
    All I had to do with W8 was to push some buttons but instructions were ambiguous and had to do it 3 times. I'd rather do it with serial and unique numbers plus my MSA, it should be enough to confirm authenticity. If they can keep my other data on file, they could do this too.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
       #27

    bobjoe said:
    I don't get it.

    I have Full/Retail Windows 7 Home Premium. The one that comes in the nice pretty fancy box: Attachment 31249


    I upgraded my current installation to W10 Home.
    This means that MS recorded your "unique" hardware ID on their activation servers so they now know your exact machine and they know it's fine to be running Windows 10.


    bobjoe said:
    If I ever decided to build a new computer, can I just use a W10 disc created via Media Creation Tool, then my W7 product key to activate?
    No, this won't work as the new computer won't have it's "unique" code already stored on the activation servers. With a new computer, you will either need to reload 7 again and then upgrade (and you only have 1 year to do this). If you are outside of the 1 year, you will then have to buy yourself a key to Windows 10.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #28

    The problem I see is MS has not stated the exact procedure to transfer an upgraded W10 license to a new PC.
    They say to call Customer Service but no detail on the way it is installed (since we don't have a key) and what information they require to determine if your install is legal. I see a lot of advice to installed W7 or W8 and upgrade again, but that does not seem like a good procedure and MS needs to clarify the best procedure.

    Jim
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 889
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #29

    Phone Man said:
    The problem I see is MS has not stated the exact procedure to transfer an upgraded W10 license to a new PC.
    They say to call Customer Service but no detail on the way it is installed (since we don't have a key) and what information they require to determine if your install is legal. I see a lot of advice to installed W7 or W8 and upgrade again, but that does not seem like a good procedure and MS needs to clarify the best procedure.

    Jim
    I wonder MS will ever provide a complete and good procedure in writing!
      My Computers


 

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