How to get product key for Windows 10 OEM

[chandymseb]

Hi all
I am currently using Windows 10 home single language. I was using an OEM version of Windows 8 which I upgraded to Windows 8.1 and then to Windows 10 using the free upgrade. How can I get the product key? Will I be able to do fresh install of Windows 10 using the installer which I downloaded from Microsoft website which I had used to upgrade to Windows 10? I am planning to change my motherboard. The chipset is H61 on both the old and new one.

 

[R_1]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416892&cm_re=windows_10-_-32-416-892-_-Product

when you upgraded that motherboard was given a digital entitlement, and gets a key free install from here on out. if you change the motherboard you will need a new windows 10 key as the license is tied to the existing motherboard.

 

[Colif]

You don't need the key, when you upgraded to win 10 you got a digital entitlement to win 10. It is likely matched to the email address you used to register for windows 10 as well as the licence key you used. It is stored on Microsoft's servers, not your PC.

Yes, you can use the win 10 installer you got from the Microsoft site, it is only way people who upgraded can do a fresh install. when you get to point asking for a key, click "Skip" and win 10 will install and possibly ask for your email address or proof you have a digital entitlement.

http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

 

[Colif]

from the horses mouth:

In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard

follow these steps before the swap so you can reactivate using microsoft account: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

[chandymseb]

I am not using the 1607 build of windows 10. I'm using an older version. Due to limitations with my internet speeds, I cannot update windows frequently. Is there any other possible way to get the product key or to get the digital license

 

[Colif]

You have a digital licence now, its just not linked to your email address. if you look in settings/update & security/activation it will show your edition and what form of activation you have, it could say "Windows is activated with a digital licence" if you not linked, or it can say "Windows is activates with a digital licence linked to your Microsoft account" if it is already linked.

Based on Insider feedback, we are also introducing the ability to link your Microsoft account (MSA) to the activation digital license with this Insider Preview build. If you already used an MSA to log in to your activated Windows 10 Home or Pro device, your MSA will be automatically linked. You can use this MSA linked digital license to re-activate your Genuine Windows 10 device by running the Activation troubleshooter, if you run into Activation issues caused by hardware changes.

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/06/23/windows-10-license-microsoft-account/

you may need to install using the old installer you have and then once pc is working, see if it activates or not once you logon using windows account. You need to upgrade it to the latest version to get troubleshooter. I can't see any way to do it online. If PC doesn't activate, right click "This PC" on the desktop, choose properties. IN next pop up, at bottom of screen is the activation area and should be an option to call Microsoft and you can explain it to them and see how you go.

updating the install to newest version and then running troubleshooter would eradicate need to call them.