Windows 10 license New Build

hardtarget · 30 Nov 2020 at 22:46

I'm I able to keep my Windows 10 license updated from Windows 7?
I am about to do a new build with new motherboard, CPU and storage drives. Been told I would have to buy a new product key? Now confused as to what I can and cant do with the different versions of Windows 10? :confused:

Mel_P · 30 Nov 2020 at 22:57

If you have a win 7 key that is good for win 10. Home to home, pro to pro. New key not needed. Just updated my retail win 7 to win 10 on my HP microserver. OEM version this possibly only true on same hardware. As your hardware is new you may need new key. Is it an OEM key or a retail key?

hardtarget · 30 Nov 2020 at 23:04

Think it was a retail key ultimate version.

Mel_P · 30 Nov 2020 at 23:29

If it is retail - just go for it. There are only 2 versions on Windows 10, Home and Pro. Ultimate goes to Home.

1 . make sure your log-on and hence key is linked to a Microsoft account before upgrading hardware.

2. if Windows won't activate after a hardware change there is an automated telephone activation process that I had to use to get my windows to re-activate after a motherboard / CPU change. Long winded / tedious but worked.