Windows 10 Activation Just Got Easier!

Dirk Diggler · 15 Mar 2016 at 11:01

I built a new system and did a clean install of Windows. Of course, I get the watermark about activation and so chat with an adviser to say I have a Windows 8 product key and need things sorted. I'm braced for the big rigmarole when this happens...

So to recap: If you have already upgraded but want to change your hardware... and providing you have a genuine product key for the earlier version of Windows, then simply:

Clean install the latest version of Windows 10
Go to the activation page in settings
Hit "Enter Product Key"
Enter your Windows 7/8/8.1 key
You're good to go.

Orcvader · 15 Mar 2016 at 12:08

It's already been mentioned before in the big Windows 10 thread that's pinned on this subforum

. You were able to do that since the TH2 update/ISO back in November.

Dirk Diggler · 15 Mar 2016 at 12:18

Orcvader said:
It's already been mentioned before in the big Windows 10 thread that's pinned on this subforum . You were able to do that since the TH2 update/ISO back in November.

Well, someone might have told the MS tech "support" that. I've had a nightmare of a time a few weeks ago trying to do this, and one of them yesterday told me I had to format, re-install Win 8, and then upgrade again!

weyland yutani · 15 Mar 2016 at 12:26

Orcvader said:
It's already been mentioned before in the big Windows 10 thread that's pinned on this subforum . You were able to do that since the TH2 update/ISO back in November.

300 pages is far too blaoted. There should be a tips and tweaks sticky by now with a organized and maintained OP. I'd try starting one myself but I don't even have Win10 installed yet. The "badass guide" sticky here is embarrassingly outdated.