Windows 10 upgrade license

cristi_io · Jun 13, 2016

Hello guys,

I have 1 license of WIndows 8.1 FPP/retail license. I want to upgrade to WIndows 10, but I one thing is unclear to me.
If I upgrade, will WIndows 10 license be retail or it will "turn" into some sort of OEM license?

I ask this because I upgrade my PC, you know, more memory, replace HDD, and I intend to upgrade the MB and CPU to Kaby Lake platform sometime in the future, (and of course sell the replaced hardware)
This thing is not clearly mentioned anywhere.

Thank you.

R-T-B · Jun 13, 2016

I'm not sure of the legalities of it, but the way Windows 10 is activated during the upgrade is it basically adds your mobo to a hardware whitelist using a generic key.

Thus, you replace your mobo you will lose your activation. Whether or not MS will reactivate it at that point is not something I know.

Jetster · Jun 13, 2016

Yes it will remain Retail 10 if it is a retail version of 8.1

Windows 10 uses the HWID so it may not accept the new Motherboard at first. You can at that point call MS or revert back to your 8.1 But a automated call should fix it if your in the US

cristi_io · Jun 13, 2016

@Jetster: Thank you for yout reply. No, I am not from the USA, hope in Europe Microsoft follows this policy.

Brian Simmons · Jun 14, 2016

If 8.1 is retail, 10 should be retail as well.

cristi_io · Jun 15, 2016

The interesting question is that: the upgrade takes place before 29 of July. If I upgrade the PC (change the MB), and I transfer the Win 8.1 license to this new PC (cause 8.1 is retail FPP), will I be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free? Or a upgrade license must be bought?

Kursah · Jun 15, 2016

If you are running 10 when you replace your main board, then you would reactivate your license the same as you would have had to on 8.1 which likely would include a call to Microsoft's automated activation system, enter in a series of letters and numbers and then receive some back, which you'll enter in...and that will activate the OS to the hwID of the board that they use to keep track. Should be relatively simple and is the same process that would need to be accomplished on Win 8.1 anyways.

Now if you were doing a new system build, I am unsure after the 29th if you could use your Win 8.1 key code to activate a fresh 10 installation...but seeing that since the fixed 1511 ISO 7 and 8 keys have been activating 10 successfully maybe they have a database to ensure that can continue to occur? That I dunno... I would do the OS drive transfer with the current 10 install to the new system and bypass a fresh install unless necessary. In my experience 7+ is pretty resilient to moving systems, though 8.1+ seems to be smoother and older than 8.1 can get finicky with too many changes initially.

I would expect that you shouldn't have major issues getting the transfer done on a retail license, maybe a little hassle with leg-work through MS's activation system if the online activation fails and having to call them. The automated system is easy enough...their live customer support is a mixed bag though...

But I would bet contact to Microsoft Support would clear the matter up. If they can't help, speak to their next level of support or manager and demand answers.

cristi_io · Jun 17, 2016

Thank you

Melvis · Jun 26, 2016

Do you know how to get to your Windows 10 Licence? I just use Belarc, get my W10 Disc (ISO I burnt) then put the serial in and off you go!

Caring1 · Jun 26, 2016

SuzyPower said:
Windows 10 free upgrade offer is near it's end (29 July 2016), make your descision fast- http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-end-is-near-say-goodbye-to-the-windows-10-free-upgrade/

No, really? (sarcasm by the way)
You don't happen to work for Microsoft do you?

Ungari · Jun 26, 2016

SuzyPower said:
Windows 10 free upgrade offer is near it's end (29 July 2016), make your descision fast- http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-end-is-near-say-goodbye-to-the-windows-10-free-upgrade/

I wager that this "deadline" will be extended as the goal is to get everyone on Win 10 whether they want it or not.

cristi_io · Jun 27, 2016

I think Ungari could be right. Microsoft is trying to achieve something like Apple, to have a unified version, and to avoid the mess that Android for example is.

Recon-UK · Jun 27, 2016

Ahem... lost my activation when upgrading from AMD Phenom II to my XEON...
Installed "legit" activated Windows 7 Ultimate x64, and yes i paid for the license originally, but that key no longer works.. i paid more than enough to MS :shadedshu:

Anyway once 7 is installed.. go here... https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10
Click Upgrade Now, it will give you a download with an app that gives you legit activated Windows 10 based on your Win 7 activation.

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Cooling	Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
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Software	Windows 10 Home x64

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Case	Corsair Obsidian 350D MATX
Audio Device(s)	Integrated Asus SupremeFX III
Power Supply	Seasonic Modular G Series 550W
Mouse	Asus Rog Sica
Keyboard	Redragon Devarajas Mechanical KB
Software	Windows 10 Home x64

System Name	PC_3770K
Processor	Intel 3770K
Motherboard	Asus Maximus Gene V
Cooling	Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Memory	Kingston HyperX 8GB DDR3 @2400MHz
Video Card(s)	ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 Mini
Storage	Samsung 850 Pro 256GB / WD 320GB + SEAGATE 500GB
Display(s)	DELL U2713HM 27"@2560*1440
Case	Corsair Obsidian 350D MATX
Audio Device(s)	Integrated Asus SupremeFX III
Power Supply	Seasonic Modular G Series 550W
Mouse	Asus Rog Sica
Keyboard	Redragon Devarajas Mechanical KB
Software	Windows 10 Home x64

Windows 10 upgrade license

cristi_io

R-T-B

Jetster

cristi_io

Brian Simmons

New Member

cristi_io

Kursah

Super Moderator

cristi_io

Melvis

Caring1

Ungari

cristi_io

Recon-UK

System Name	Kursah's Gaming Rig 2018 (2022 Upgrade) - Ryzen+ Edition \| Gaming Laptop (Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022)
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Memory	TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32GB (2x16) DDR4 4000 @ 3600 18-20-20-42 1.35v \| 32GB DDR5 4800 (2x16)
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Memory	2x8GB DDR4 G.Skill Ripjaws 3600MHz\| 2x8GB Corsair 3000 \| 6x2GB DDR3 1300 Corsair
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Software	Windows 8.1 64 Bit

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