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Resolved Question

Would upgrading change my product key?

Feb 6, 2016 12:50PM PST

So I've been running Windows 8.1 on my desktop and recently have received an error telling me that my product key is being used by another machine (which to my knowledge it is not) and that I need to reactivate Windows. As expected my current key will not work. I really don't want to deal with Microsoft support, so would upgrading to Windows 10 give me a new product key and serve as a workaround? Been meaning to upgrade for a while anyways.

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Spork829 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Upsetting but only Microsoft can fix license issues.
Feb 6, 2016 1:07PM PST

The W10 upgrade uses the valid prior license to your new W10 license. If your W8 license is suspect then you are steering towards a cliff. Stop. Fix the W8 issue first.

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(NT) Alright, thanks!
Feb 6, 2016 1:08PM PST
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Answer
Re: product key
Feb 6, 2016 1:02PM PST

Alas, no.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10 is clear: If your product key is being used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow, you'll need to buy a new product key or copy of Windows for each of your PCs in order to activate them.

It might be time to call Microsofts free activation issues line.

Kees

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Ok
Feb 6, 2016 1:04PM PST

So just to make sure, you're saying that it won't let me get an activated version of Windows 10 if I don't have an activated version of 8? I guess that would make sense.

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Re: Windows 10
Feb 7, 2016 6:53AM PST

That's what I read in that link.

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Answer
you changed motherboard
Feb 6, 2016 11:52PM PST

In one of your other recent threads, you said you changed out the motherboard. If you changed the motherboard and you had oem operating system installed (came with the computer), you MUST replace the operating system's key. This is why the error message says it is being used by another machine. It sees the old motherboard as another machine - and it is per microsofts oem license.

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You are allowed
Feb 7, 2016 7:01AM PST

To repair your computer though.
I replaced a motherboard and had OEM Win 7 and called MS and they reactivated my version for the new MB.

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Okay, I'll give them a call
Feb 7, 2016 10:59AM PST

I thought that this might be a problem, but kind of dismissed the possibility because the old mobo isn't being used in another machine, and by the fact that this started about a month after I installed it. I thought that if the mobo was an issue I would have received the error right away, but I guess not. Anyways, thanks for the help everyone!

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just because you activate does not mean it is legit.
Feb 7, 2016 11:54AM PST

Microsoft tends to activate even if it violates the license. It is when you run the genuine test is when it is usually declared non legit. Also the test is constantly changing so you may run for a while before it is caught.

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allowed to repair with exact same motherboard
Feb 7, 2016 11:52AM PST

if you used another motherboard it is not allowed

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Got it fixed
Feb 7, 2016 1:24PM PST

Called Microsoft support, they sent me a link and I got it done in 5 minutes. Thanks for the help everyone!

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Answer
Windows 10 upgrade doesn't use
Feb 8, 2016 4:58AM PST

a product key itself. It uses a process called digital entitlement. What happens when you upgrade your key is checked if it's a valid key then it upgrades to Windows and activated it if the key was valid. Then it uses a process the digital entitlement where it looks at the hardward and creates a hash number that is stored on Microsoft's servers. If you but Windows 10 retail or OEM or on aa new PC it does have a key. The digital entitlement is tied to your hardware that you did the original upgrade on. So you can't use the license on another machine. You would even have problem if you upgrade your motherboard.