So for those of you who still need to install & activate Windows 10 PCs occasionally, using Windows 7/8/8.1 activation keys still conveniently works to activate personal installations of Windows 10. (Thanks to a change that was made as of Windows 10 Threshold 2/1511)
Here’s some pointers:
- DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 10 INSTALLATION MEDIA
Download the Winodws 10 Media creation tool from the link below. There are other options listed as well if you have access to the Volume Licensing Service Center, have MSDN, are a Windows Insider, etc.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/ - GET YOUR 25-DIGIT WINDOWS 7/8/8/1 ACTIVATION KEY
I am assuming that you have your Windows 7/8/8.1 key stashed away. (I have more keys than I know what to do with.
) You can use this during or after the installation of Windows 10 – the key will be accepted just as a Windows 10 activation key would.
EXTRACTING YOUR KEY FROM WINDOWS 7
If you DON’T have your key, take a look at the link below on how to use NirSoft’s tool for extracting the key from your existing Windows 7 installation.
https://www.howtogeek.com/206329/how-to-find-your-lost-windows-or-office-product-keys/ - USE YOUR 25-DIGIT WINDOWS 7/8/8.1 KEY TO ACTIVATE
If you’re activating Windows 10 after the installation, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation to enter the key.
(Follow the instructions here for steps on how to use the key if it isn’t clear.
https://www.howtogeek.com/266072/you-can-still-get-windows-10-for-free-with-a-windows-7-8-or-8.1-key/)
kurtsh
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