G+_Jason Brown Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 I upgraded one of my computers from 8.1 to windows 10 back when it was free. I need to reformat that computer. Should I try and extract my windows 10 key or is that now based on my hardware profile. If its based on the hardware profile can i just download windows 10 and reinstall with no key? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Alex Ford Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 a 8.1 computer hides the key in the bios i think anyway the key is not lost when you reformat. so you can reinstall 10 and be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Russell LeChard Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 Jason Brown Did you link this new installation of Windows 10 to an existing Microsoft Account? If so, it should activate normally. However with a local account it's always good to backup the key. It should recognize the hardware profile even with a local account, but to be safe, its always good to have the keys backed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Todd Barnard Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 I've done this with a few former Win 7 machines, As Russell says, log into your microsoft acct and make sure its listed in your devices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Steve Ryerse Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 As long as Windows 10 was activated before and the hardware has not changed much then you can download the Windows 10. Make sure you install the same version (Home or Pro) and it will auto activate and you don't need the key. I have done this many times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Michael Carleton Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Steve Ryerse Exactly my experience with Windows 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted March 30, 2018 Author Share Posted March 30, 2018 can anyone recommend a good application to extract the windows key? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted March 31, 2018 Author Share Posted March 31, 2018 I've been told that it is hidden and what is displayed isn't the real key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted March 31, 2018 Author Share Posted March 31, 2018 Second question, I've added my Microsoft account to my windows OS. If I log into my Microsoft Account will my windows license be shown. I'd like some way to verify that when I reformat my PC it will be recognized and activated. I'm on my MS account now but I don't see anything. I've read it should be listed under devices but its not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted April 1, 2018 Author Share Posted April 1, 2018 oddly enough, i'm wondering if this is a Pi-Hole issue... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted April 3, 2018 Author Share Posted April 3, 2018 Okay, this thread is throwing me WAY off. I keep coming back and thinking "I don't remember posting that." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted April 3, 2018 Author Share Posted April 3, 2018 Lol, I just said that about a post you just did.. such a common name you'd think we would see it more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 We should switch to the same avatar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason Brown Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 I think I remember belarc having an issue retrieving the key for window 8 and 10, or maybe it was office. It might have been related to the type of license. In not totally sure though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts