Windows 10 Activation / Question regarding clean install

So i have just upgraded from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro,
i had/have a legal Windows 7 Pro license key that came with my laptop and it activated Windows 7 just fine.

Windows 10 however will not activate, i already read that this might be possible due to the activation servers?
Is this problem still ongoing and if so is there a time frame in which it will be solved?



I also dualboot my laptop with Linux, i plan to remove Linux this week and i would like to format my SSD and do a clean Windows 10 install. I download a Win10 media creation tool to download an ISO and create a bootable USB.

If i do this how will i be able to activate Windows 10? Do i use my Windows 7 key or will i have to retrieve my Win10 key somehow?

Thanks in advance

Brink said:

Hello NickyNails, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

When you upgrade with the free reserved copy from the GWX app on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, Windows 10 has a generic key included that will activate it.

If you clean install Windows 10 without doing the above first, Windows 10 will not be activated.


Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.

Thank you for your quick answers :) I'm glad to hear we won't be bothered with keeping license keys anymore :)

I upgraded from Win7 so when the activation servers finally work and activate my Windows, i'll clean install