[SOLVED] Lost OEM product key

[architect md]

Hi,

Just built myself a new pc, inc. new ssd, complete new build. I created an installation usb from my old pc and installed windows on the new one. Unfortunately I cannot activate as I have lost my OEM product key (and it doesn’t show up with ShowKey).

Is there any way to use the ssd I have in my old pc to activate the new system?

thanks

 

[jojesa]

Since you have different hardware, moving your SSD to the new PC won't just activate Windows.
The license is attached to the hardware, not the SSD.
If you created a Microsoft account and linked it to your PC license, then you could activated the PC by login into your Microsoft account.

You could use the Windows 10 Activation troubleshooter and select 'I changed hardware on this device recently'

 

[punkncat]

In the spirit of the license agreement you should likely purchase a new key.

 

[architect md]

Since you have different hardware, moving your SSD to the new PC won't just activate Windows.
The license is attached to the hardware, not the SSD.
If you created a Microsoft account and linked it to your PC license, then you could activated the PC by login into your Microsoft account.

You could use the Windows 10 Activation troubleshooter and select 'I changed hardware on this device recently'

Wow that was so easy!! If there weren’t a pandemic on I’d hug you! Thanks so much, avoids another trip into the loft to try to find the box.

 

[RealBeast]

In the spirit of the license agreement you should likely purchase a new key.

Actually yes according to the OEM license, but MS doesn't really seem to care as long as everyone uses W10.

 

[punkncat]

Actually yes according to the OEM license, but MS doesn't really seem to care as long as everyone uses W10.

Oh you are absolutely not wrong. So long as they have you using their OS most likely to turn a blind eye.

I had a situation some time back where I opted to go with a different system on a "retail" license. Worked fine while the motherboard and proc I initially installed to where out of service. I hadn't properly cleared that hardware ID (I suppose) and when the parts got sold off later I lost activation on the newer machine. Just simple things to pay attention to.

 

[jojesa]

In the spirit of the license agreement you should likely purchase a new key.

If you go to Microsoft support they even advice you to perform those steps.
They are more concerned with having access to our data. They make a lot more $$$ out our data, that what they make out the license fee.