Windows 10 license

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EviLClouD

301 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#285881 22-May-2021 18:22

Hey, im looking to build a computer but havent done so in a while.
Just wondering is there a cheap way to get a windows 10 license or do i need to fork out ~$200 for an OEM key?
I think i still have my windows 7 disc and serial if that helps.
Thanks

OzoneNZ

102 posts

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#2711540 22-May-2021 18:51

Pretty sure Microsoft is still offering free Windows 10 licence upgrades to Windows 7 users, they just don't rave about it publicly

Try installing Windows 7, activating it with your licence key, then run through the Windows 10 installer while booted up in Windows 7

robjg63

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#2711549 22-May-2021 18:57

Yep. Install Windows 7, then activate.
Then upgrade to win 10. Should auto activate.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

If not, doing a win 10 install without activating, gives you a 99.9% cooy of Windows win anyway.
Apart from a nag image, and the ability to change the wallpaper, i dont think it stops you doing anything much.

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ANglEAUT

altered-ego
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#2711588 23-May-2021 02:15

I'll save you a step.

Install Windows 10
Activate with Win 7 key

Newer machines have the key burnt into the BIOS, Win 10 will auto activate anyway. How old is your machine or did you build it from parts?

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freitasm

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#2711611 23-May-2021 09:14

robjg63: If not, doing a win 10 install without activating, gives you a 99.9% cooy of Windows win anyway. Apart from a nag image, and the ability to change the wallpaper, i dont think it stops you doing anything much.

You don't have access to installing optional components that you might need at some point. You also only have access to critical updates - optional updates will not be installed.

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JaseNZ

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#2711638 23-May-2021 10:51

I always just buy a key of off ebay for $4 - $5 , for windows 10 pro, Never had a single issue and always activates just fine.

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xpd

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#2711650 23-May-2021 11:40

Other option, is if it fails to activate, just call MS support. Friend has done this multiple times - used a single key between all builds. (Obviously not all at once)

XPD / Gavin

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SpartanVXL

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#2711707 23-May-2021 12:56

Windows 7/8/8.1 keys all work on Windows 10. Microsoft support will even tell you this if you call up the support line.

1101

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#2712049 24-May-2021 10:10

OzoneNZ: Pretty sure Microsoft is still offering free Windows 10 licence upgrades to Windows 7 users, they just don't rave about it publicly

Nope , that 100% ended many years ago. Its even on MS's website saying this is no longer available.
MS even state (on their website) that win10 suceesful activation does NOT mean you have a valid license

But activating Win10 with a Win7 retail or OEM key does still work. :-)
wink wink .

Jogre

182 posts

Master Geek
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#2716147 31-May-2021 13:17

^this. Microsoft doesn't offer it at all. The Microsoft 365 commercial license needs this loophole to stay open or engineering will have to bake in functionality for the upgrade to work. Win7 and 8 don't understand Azure AD accounts so won't detect the valid license before the Win10 upgrade.

Microsoft also don't mind too much because it sounds good for shareholders when they talk about % coverage globally around win10.

If you're audited then you'll have a fun time.

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timmmay

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#2716168 31-May-2021 14:34

On my new computer late last year I just installed Windows 10, logged the computer into my Microsoft account, and it worked. I suspect it picked up a license from my old computer which was on W10