Complete removal of Windows 10 license


  1. Posts : 12
    Windows 10
       #1

    Complete removal of Windows 10 license


    Hi,

    I would like to sell my old desktop computer, but I have a problem about the license keys associated to that computer.

    This computer is bound with three digital licenses:

    -one obtained free with the Insider program
    -one, originally for the 8.1 Home version, then upgraded to Windows 10 Home
    -the third one, a Windows 10 Pro license

    Now, I would like to avoid let activate this computer with one of my licenses, but I don't know if there is a method of avoiding that if someone install Windows 10 skipping the product key this computer will be activated with one of my old licenses.

    Any advice?

    Thanks

    Anyway, I think that Microsoft should do something about managing the Windows licenses, because, at this time, it is a complete mess.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,692
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    nicos18 said:
    I would like to sell my old desktop computer, but I have a problem about the license keys associated to that computer.

    ....Now, I would like to avoid let activate this computer with one of my licenses...

    When a PC is first activated for Win10 a digital licence is stored on Microsoft's activation, linked to the hardware ID of the PC. This digital licence will activate a clean install of the same edition without needing the user to enter a key. As far as I know there is no way to delete a digital licence once it has been attached to a PC.

    However, you have nothing to worry about. This digital licence does not record the product key that was used to obtain it, it just says that a PC with this hardware ID is licensed to run Windows 10. So even if the new owner did install and activate Windows it will not count as having used your key.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 18,433
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    nicos18 said:
    Any advice?

    Thanks
    My advice would be to not let things bother you that you have no control over. Raise the selling price of the computer by $20 stating that it has a genuine digital license for Windows 10 Pro. If they ask for the product key it is:
    VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    @Bree and @NavyLCDR: thanks to you both.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 41,481
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #5

    For the drive you can run diskpart clean or clean all:
    Erase Disk using Diskpart Clean Command in Windows 10


    If Windows is reinstalled before the sale you can run this script to see some of the licensing data:
    Activation troubleshooting
    https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/Wind...ensingDiag.ps1
      My Computer


 

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