I don;t have a Windows 10 key

[morrowheat23]

In about 2012 I bought a pre-built Dell PC, the origin of my current PC build. It had Windows 8 installed and activated on it, which then was upgraded to 8.1 when that came out. I had done 2 groups of upgrades to the PC, all while keeping that install, and Windows would say I need a key. I would then proceed to call up Microsoft and they would ask me how many PC's this copy of Windows was on, and I'd say one of course, and they'd give me a key to type into the box and all was well. Then we have 2015 where I upgrade to Windows 10 and clone the install afterwards to an SSD after my second set of upgrades to the system. All is working well, no need to put the key in again. Here we are in 2016 and I just created a boot media for Windows 10 and installed it clean after a 3rd set of upgrades to the system, and I have the little watermark saying to activate Windows. Problem is, I don't have the key and I never did have one as Windows came preinstalled on the Dell. I don't see any sort of number I can call and get this sorted out and I'd rather not buy something I already have the rights to. I need a way to get the old key back or get a new one from Microsoft. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Onus]

It may take the old Win8.1 key you have.

 

[BadActor]

If you've upgraded the motherboard, this may be the reason Windows is no longer activated. You can try using Nirsoft's Produkey software to retrieve the Windows 10 product key and putting it in manually, but I'm guessing you're going to have to either call Microsoft again or purchase a new license.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

 

[Wolfshadw]

^+1

But it depends on what your upgrades have been.

-Wolf sends

 

[morrowheat23]

It may take the old Win8.1 key you have.

But I don't have they, I never had it to begin with.

 

[morrowheat23]

If you've upgraded the motherboard, this may be the reason Windows is no longer activated. You can try using Nirsoft's Produkey software to retrieve the Windows 10 product key and putting it in manually, but I'm guessing you're going to have to either call Microsoft again or purchase a new license.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

I tried the program, and a key came up. However, when I entered it it said that Windows can't use that key and gave me an error code.

 

[BadActor]

Your PC came with an OEM version of Windows which is limited to a one time use. You were lucky when MS allowed you to activate it after your first upgrades if they included the motherboard. You might try and have them activate it again, but I'm guessing you will need the new license.

 

[esco_sid]

if you are a student at college( or know anyone) you can get a free windows copy at dreamspark.com

 

[bignastyid]

The win 8 key is embedded in the dell motherboards bios. What parts have been replaced?

 

[rgd1101]

from the OP other thread. it a new z170 mobo
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3048807/asus-z170-pro-gaming-question.html

 

[bignastyid]

Sounds like you need to buy a new key.

 

[morrowheat23]

Your PC came with an OEM version of Windows which is limited to a one time use. You were lucky when MS allowed you to activate it after your first upgrades if they included the motherboard. You might try and have them activate it again, but I'm guessing you will need the new license.

I gave Microsoft a call and I allowed them remote access to my PC and after some digging around they verified that I owned the rights to Windows 10 and they generated me a new key to use.

 

[BadActor]

Your PC came with an OEM version of Windows which is limited to a one time use. You were lucky when MS allowed you to activate it after your first upgrades if they included the motherboard. You might try and have them activate it again, but I'm guessing you will need the new license.

I gave Microsoft a call and I allowed them remote access to my PC and after some digging around they verified that I owned the rights to Windows 10 and they generated me a new key to use.

That's awesome!

 

[bignastyid]

Your PC came with an OEM version of Windows which is limited to a one time use. You were lucky when MS allowed you to activate it after your first upgrades if they included the motherboard. You might try and have them activate it again, but I'm guessing you will need the new license.

I gave Microsoft a call and I allowed them remote access to my PC and after some digging around they verified that I owned the rights to Windows 10 and they generated me a new key to use.

You got lucky, usually with pre-installed OEM versions they aren't as lenient as they are with store bought OEM copies.