The best method (Windows 10 to 11)

gumpy321

gumpy321

gumpy321

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Hi,

Here's my scenario:

I'm currently rocking Windows 10 pro. I'm upgrading to AM5 so a new motherboard, CPU and RAM will be coming soon.

I'm wanting to upgrade to Windows 11 as I believe support stops in October this year.

What is the best way of going about this in my scenario? Should I update to Win 11 now on my current setup and then re-format and create an ISO so that when I install to the new setup Windows 11 is already there?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
It would depend on the license key you have.

OEM license keys are tried to the first PC they are installed on too and Retail can be moved.

Do you use a Microsoft account to login to Windows or a local account?
 
You can verify if you have a OEM or Retail license key by launching Cmd prompt as Administrator, then run: slmgr /dli

Will then get a pop up window confirming license type. I am still using my old Windows7 retail copy license from around 2009. I can see "Description: Windows Operating System, RETAIL channel" and shows me just one part of my product key.

Edit: I am in the same boat, still running Win10 but thinking I need to take the opportunity to upgrade to Win11 soon. Can't decide myself if I want to do a backup (I have Acronis) and then upgrade and test. Or remove my license key and then install Win11 fresh on a new larger capacity nvme and leave my current one untouched and available to simply install again if needed.
 
Last edited:
Looks like I'm retail.

Could I create a Windows 11 media tool now, and enter the product key on my new setup when I install the new mobo, cpu etc?

Edit: I use my Microsoft account to login.
 
Last edited:
gumpy321 said:
Looks like I'm retail.

Could I create a Windows 11 media tool now, and enter the product key on my new setup when I install the new mobo, cpu etc?

Edit: I use my Microsoft account to login.
Click to expand...
You may have to deactivate the key on the "old" system if it does not activate.

How long would it be before upgrading the PC? can do it now but the ISO file may get updated between now and installing (Depends on when you plan on upgrading)
 
gumpy321 said:
Looks like I'm retail.

Could I create a Windows 11 media tool now, and enter the product key on my new setup when I install the new mobo, cpu etc?

Edit: I use my Microsoft account to login.
Click to expand...
Do you actually have the product key? When they're converted to a digital license you don't have a key anymore and if the key actually dates back to Windows 7/8.1, they no longer activate Windows 11 on a fresh install like they used to.
 
ED209 said:
You may have to deactivate the key on the "old" system if it does not activate.

How long would it be before upgrading the PC? can do it now but the ISO file may get updated between now and installing (Depends on when you plan on upgrading)
Click to expand...
I reckon I'll be doing it next week. I have all the new parts here.
Tetras said:
Do you actually have the product key? When they're converted to a digital license you don't have a key anymore and if the key actually dates back to Windows 7/8.1, they no longer activate Windows 11 on a fresh install like they used to.
Click to expand...
Do you mean in some kind of physical form? I didn't have windows 7 or 8, the product key was for Windows 10.
 
ED209 said:
You may have to deactivate the key on the "old" system if it does not activate.

How long would it be before upgrading the PC? can do it now but the ISO file may get updated between now and installing (Depends on when you plan on upgrading)
Click to expand...
I had to do just this when I last upgraded my PC in 2001. Deactivated the same Windows license on my old i7 7700 build to then use it on my 5600x build.
 
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