Re-install Windows - which licence?

Liamz51 · 4 May 2018 at 21:30

Random question, I have 2 desktops and 3 laptops that were all running Win 7 and which were upgraded for free to Win 10.

One of the laptops hard drive has failed and I need to reinstall the OS on a new drive. Issue is I have no idea what key that machine was using. I still have all the keys but didn't record which machine had which.

I appreciate that I have missed the free upgrade window, but Win 7 will be fine for this machine. I assume though that I shouldn't use a key that is already in use with one of my other machines?

Is there a way to work out what key is being used in the other machines that have now been upgraded so I can work out by elimination which one to use here?

bremen1874 · 4 May 2018 at 21:37

Programs such as 'Magical Jelly Bean' will find the key a machine is using.

I recently installed Windows 10 on a machine that only had a OEM (HP) Windows 7 Pro sticker on it. It had never been previously upgraded and that key was accepted.

postmanfw · 4 May 2018 at 21:46

Wont matter which key you use as none of them are in use any longer after the w10 upgrade .

what was on the failed laptop previously?

sounds like w10 was on it ...if so it has a digital licence already and will auto activate

Liamz51 · 4 May 2018 at 21:59

OK - sounds like I ought to pick a key a random and if that doesn't work I can use MJB to narrow the field. Thanks both.

postmanfw · 4 May 2018 at 22:05

no just click the bit that says "i dont have a key" during the w10 install

Skynet5 · 4 May 2018 at 23:41

As above. Just click that and carry on. It will automatically license. It's basically a digital signature from your machine, possibly linked to your windows account if you signed in. HDD isnt part of that signature.