Finding Windows 7 Key in Windows 10

[vxero]

After installing the Windows 10 "Creators" update, I pressed the "Project" key to display on my external monitor. The popup screen said "Your PC can't project to another screen. Try reinstalling the driver or using another video card." I can't find a solution to this problem so, since Windows 10 keeps updating automatically, I just want to go back to Windows 7. Of course, it's been much longer than a month since I installed Windows 10, so I have to do a clean install of Windows 7. Belarc gives me a key for my Windows 10. Will this key work for doing a clean install of Windows 7?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

From Microsoft.

Free upgrade to Windows 10. If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you should have a digital license instead of a product key. For more info about digital licenses in Windows 10, see Activation in Windows 10.

 

[little_me]

as random fun fact, I upgraded to 10 from 8.1 and my 8.1 product key is listed as IE license key now.
http://www.belarc.com/en/products_belarc_advisor

It might be a similar story for you too

 

[vxero]

So if I initiate a clean install of Windows 7 to replace Windows 10, it will not ask for a key but will find the digital license and install Windows 7?

 

[little_me]

I don't think windows 7 understands digital license, so on reinstall it will always need the key (except if said key is stored in BIOS by manufacturer) so.. yes, you would need windows 7 key on reinstall.

I would heavily suspect that your windows 7 key is stored as internet explorer license key (if you use belarc advisor) the key for windows 10 is the "digital" one that you wouldn't need on reinstall as long as hardware doesn't change.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Only 10 can be installed without a key at this point.

 

[USAFRet]

Your Win 7 license is now null and void. It was consumed in the Upgrade to Win 10.

 

[vxero]

It looks like USAFRet is right. I tried both keys but neither worked. Fortunately, I suspected this would happen so I bought a disk and key for a discarded hard drive on ebay for $27. That key worked.

 

[USAFRet]

It looks like USAFRet is right. I tried both keys but neither worked. Fortunately, I suspected this would happen so I bought a disk and key for a discarded hard drive on ebay for $27. That key worked.

You probably didn't need to buy a new Win 10 license.

Assuming the Win 10 was actually activated, a reinstall, and SKIP when it asked for the license key would have probably worked.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

It looks like USAFRet is right. I tried both keys but neither worked. Fortunately, I suspected this would happen so I bought a disk and key for a discarded hard drive on ebay for $27. That key worked.

You probably didn't need to buy a new Win 10 license.

Assuming the Win 10 was actually activated, a reinstall, and SKIP when it asked for the license key would have probably worked.

He didn't buy a new Windows 10 license.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

It looks like USAFRet is right. I tried both keys but neither worked. Fortunately, I suspected this would happen so I bought a disk and key for a discarded hard drive on ebay for $27. That key worked.

Good move. I think that Windows 10 would work better in your situation but as long as you are happy.