Windows 8 key activation

[TrojanPCs]

Hello, I was given a copy of windows 8 off a friend. However he gave me no key so i cannot activate it. The keys he gives me don't work. I wish to upgrade to windows 10 but without the key i cannot do it. So should i buy a new key and if so how? Or should i buy a new copy of windows 10 and install it. If i do buy a new copy will i have to reinstall my games and apps?
Thanks

 

[kyllien]

You will need to buy a new copy. You can either buy a Windows 10 Full Retail. You may not be able to upgrade since the mechanism for upgrading ignores the Retail key and instead evaluates the existing system. But you will be able to perform a clean install by booting to the Windows 10 media.

 

[drixkarasu]

You can upgrade from your Windows 8 if you buy a Windows 10 key, but you probably need another PC to create the bootable USB (it may not let you do it from a system without a key).
Once you start the Windows 10 installer from your Windows 8 it will detect your system is not activated and ask you for your Windows 10 key, once you insert your key it will allow you to upgrade without deleting your games and apps.

 

[TrojanPCs]

You will need to buy a new copy. You can either buy a Windows 10 Full Retail. You may not be able to upgrade since the mechanism for upgrading ignores the Retail key and instead evaluates the existing system. But you will be able to perform a clean install by booting to the Windows 10 media.

so should i just buy a new copy of windows 10?