New
#21
It's a rough break but a good leaner for sure! I know only too well when something doesn't go right how frustrating it can be. I think we have all been there at one time or another!
One question I could ask here would be how long ago was this? I would see where the pre-Threshold 2 Update time frame where a mod would still be thinking an upgrade mandate or simply assuming the labeling would still be intact on the laptop where you had the 7 key to use. The lack of mentioning that you could use the 7 OEM however in a most recent discussion would be problematic since those threads are looked at by everybody sooner or later simply running a search for upgrade information.
Generally the rule of thought prior to 10's arrival would be having already bought the new version already on media(dvd or now usb premade flash drives for 10) or using the "Anytime Upgrade" offer from companies like Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, etc. whoever else offering that option. With having a key included regardless of option the golden rule of thought has always been seeing a clean install over any upgrade to insure the best end results when going to try any newer version out. Everything starts off fresh and clean with far less worry over buggy upgrade type headaches.
Initially the 10 app was intended for promoting 10 by way of "reserving your free copy" until launch date arrives and suddenly the Media Creation tool is then linked after 10 had been out for a month or so. 10 was also arriving unexpectedly by way of the WU which caused a fuss! Yet MS despite all that still won't be reaching the One Billion mark by the first anniversary coming up. Last count was still under 300 million pcs. This is why MS held off on simply allowing people to use the keys for the existing Windows installs until the November update arrived. 10 was being pushed by way of the updates unless being an experienced user you found the MC tool or Tech Bench download page.
You don't need to know your install key if you're upgrading, which is what I was trying to do through the 10 icon in Windows 7. That wasn't working so I had to do a manual install. The tutorial didn't mention taking note of any key. It's not unreasonable to think that a key isn't needed, not just because of what the moderator said, but also because upgrading doesn't require it. If the Media Creation Tool lets you download 10, it should authenticate the moment you create the ISO or USB boot drive based off of your Windows edition before making the change.
not sure if they was said already but id like to help. Like others said you can do fresh install without upgrade using your windows 7 or 8 key but a major note to keep in mind is it will only take them old keys if your installing windows 10 version 1511 if your using the old release it will not take a key then in that case u must use upgrade method once you have a successful activation you never have to enter a key again ever just click skip in the part where it ask for a key