Question Windows 10 keeps activating without MS account

[Capt. Timeter]

Hello!
I have a legitimate retail Windows key (it was Windows 7, then I upgraded to Windows 10). In the settings it said it was a "digital licence linked to my Microsoft account".

Today, I've installed a new SSD (removing the old one completely) and installed a fresh Windows 10 on it. It didn't ask for a key. I created a local (offline) account. At some point, while installing the drivers, I realized that it's not reminding me of activation. I looked into the settings and it said "Your Windows is activated with a digital licence" (there were no mentions of the Microsoft account however).

Now, how can it be? I haven't yet logged into my Microsoft account. Where this "digital licence" is stored then?

 

[punkncat]

It validates with a hardware ID that you then tie to your MS account.

 

[USAFRet]

Now, how can it be? I haven't yet logged into my Microsoft account. Where this "digital licence" is stored then?

Absolutely normal.

That "digital license" is stored at the mothership, MS.
It sees your same system, and activates it. Yes, even with a different drive.

 

[Capt. Timeter]

Absolutely normal.

That "digital license" is stored at the mothership, MS.
It sees your same system, and activates it. Yes, even with a different drive.

You mean even without logging into the MS account?

 

[COLGeek]

You mean even without logging into the MS account?

Yes.

 

[USAFRet]

You mean even without logging into the MS account?

Yep.

 

[Capt. Timeter]

Wow.

Okay. But I intend to sell this PC. How can I re-associate the digital licence with the new one and delete the association with the older? Is it at all possible or I have to buy a new key?

 

[COLGeek]

Wow.

Okay. But I intend to sell this PC. How can I re-associate the digital licence with the new one and delete the association with the older? Is it at all possible or I have to buy a new key?

Buy a new key.

 

[USAFRet]

Wow.

Okay. But I intend to sell this PC. How can I re-associate the digital licence with the new one and delete the association with the older? Is it at all possible or I have to buy a new key?

Before you sell it.....

Build the new system, install the OS.
Go to your MS account, find your 'digital license'.
Tell it "I'm using this PC" (the new one).

On the old one....fresh OS install. Full wipe and reinstall. Give it to the new owner.

 

[Capt. Timeter]

Go to your MS account, find your 'digital license'.

If I may only ask to kindy point me out where exactly I can find it? There doesn't seem to be such a place...

 

[USAFRet]

If I may only ask to kindy point me out where exactly I can find it? There doesn't seem to be such a place...

microsoft.com
log in to your MS account
Devices
You should see this at top right:

That will (hopefully) disassociate that existing PC from your account.

Log in to your MS account in the new system....you should be able to tell it "This one".

 

[Capt. Timeter]

microsoft.com
log in to your MS account
Devices

Oh that one! Thanks!