Windows 7 product key to activate windows 10

Anonymous
2020-02-23T08:49:07+00:00

Hi, Hoping someone can help me? I have a dell pc which came with Windows 7 Home Prem OA MEA pre installed it has a product key on the computer box. Recently my original hard drive crashed and I cant even get it to boot, so I had to install a new hard drive and thought since windows 7 is no longer used I will install Windows 10 pro, Which I did but it wont let me use my windows 7 product key to activate it. How can I resolve this problem?

Thanks everyone.solved my problem by installing windows 10 pro and formatting hard drive installed Windows 10 home

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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Paul Chou 1,471 Reputation points
2020-02-23T08:56:41+00:00

hi there:

The free upgrade to Win. 10 from Win. 7 has ended years ago. But here is what I found.

As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation. Windows 10 would then report that key to Microsoft’s servers, and Windows 10’s activation servers would give your PC a “digital entitlement” (now a “digital license”) to continue using Windows 10 for free, just as if you had upgraded.

This also works from within Windows 10. Even if you don’t provide a key during the installation process, you can head to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and enter a Windows 7 or 8.1 key here instead of a Windows 10 key. Your PC will receive a digital entitlement.

hope that helps

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DaveM121 933.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2020-02-23T08:56:16+00:00

Hi Straatop

Officially, the free upgrade period from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10 ended 3 years ago and it is no longer possible to upgrade freely to Windows 10 . . .

That being said, a lot of users still find they can upgrade to Windows 10 with their Windows 7 product key, but there is no guarantees it will work . . .

Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

Go to System - About

On that page, is it the Home Edition of Windows 10 installed on your PC, because that must match the previous Windows 7 edition . . .

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Pauli O 16,380 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2020-02-23T09:19:23+00:00

Maybe I must install windows 10 home?

Yes. As you wrote you have key for Win 7 Home you have to install Win 10 Home.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-11-05T13:48:29+00:00

    hi there:

    The free upgrade to Win. 10 from Win. 7 has ended years ago. But here is what I found.

    As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation. Windows 10 would then report that key to Microsoft’s servers, and Windows 10’s activation servers would give your PC a “digital entitlement” (now a “digital license”) to continue using Windows 10 for free, just as if you had upgraded.

    This also works from within Windows 10. Even if you don’t provide a key during the installation process, you can head to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and enter a Windows 7 or 8.1 key here instead of a Windows 10 key. Your PC will receive a digital entitlement.

    hope that helps

    Sir As You Mentioned Above I Typed My Windows 7 Product Key But It Replies That Type A Valid Product Key

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-28T00:56:51+00:00

    Hello welcome.

    In Windows Setup it is possible to install

    Windows and enter the key later.

    Remembering, to activate later, you need to be connected to the internet.

    When asking for the Product Key at installation.

    uncheck the option: 'Automatically activate Windows when I'm online'.

    click 'Next' to continue the normal installation.


    When you already have the key in hand.

    Installed Windows? Then go to 'Windows start menu' and then right click

    mouse over 'Computer' and then choose 'Properties'.

    then down on the right side of your computer click where it says 'activate Windows',

    insert the key and confirm. Then it will inform windows activated.

    Remember, it must be the same system installed on your machine and the same version you purchased

    for the key to work and activate your Windows.


    Note, here you can get the key:

    Probably support your computer model, they should have all the data

    that were sold with your machine, you may need to confirm your 'Note'

    buy, for security. Call technical support if they don't inform!

    Try Microsoft phone technical support, customer service. They will help you.

    technical support where you live, just search on google, you will find.

    example;

    Microsoft phone support Brazil example

    Greater São Paulo: (11) 4706 0900

    Other locations: 0800 761 7454

    Opening hours:

    Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm

    On weekends from 10 am to 6 pm

    I hope I helped you with something.

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