Windows 10 reactivation queries

HPMan

Hi all,

I'm running Windows 10 latest 22H2 version updated from an original Windows 7 install.

I lost my back cover with the Windows Licence Key. Windows tells me that Windows is Activated with a Digital Licence. However, Windows says no Microsoft Account is not attached to the laptop so it shows Add Microsoft Account. But in Outlook and Office 365 apps, my Microsoft Account is showing.

My laptop is over 10 years old and Im thinking about doing the unofficial Windows 11 upgrade but I am concerned without having the Windows Licence Key to hand might cause a problem.

Questions - if someone found my missing Licence key could they use it for their own Windows install? If they did, would it somehow block my laptop Auto Reactivating (Windows 10 or Windows 11) if I did need to reactivate?

Would Windows 11 or 10 "see" my Microsoft Account from Office 365 and just go ahead reactivating ?

Cheers all.

I think you will have to set up a Microsoft account on your laptop, that way the account can “see” the operating system on your computer and also what you are licensed to use/download. You should then hopefully be able to upgrade. Hopefully your key will be on your account. I have found the 365/Outlook service operates aside from the overall account and won’t directly allow access to other products on your account. They are pushing 11 big time. Personally I don’t like it, though I have two boot options on my machine, one to 10 (my default), one to 11.

https://www.howtogeek.com/660517/how-to-find-your-windows-10-product-key-using-the-command-prompt/

https://www.digitalunite.com/computer-basics/windows-10/how-sign-windows-10-using-microsoft-account

Sometimes it takes a bit of playing around to get things to work out.

DopeTech

KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean

smuggler.ie

Laptop - most likely OEM key - don't think its transferable, its hardware locked. However, cant comment how clean install W11(how its not official?) would see that, just have not experienced

As mentioned above - Win and 365 are two separate licenses and do not validate each other. Both can be added to your MS account, in your case 365 already there if purchased by you

May I be very bold here and suggest, if all else fails, just install Linux, native or on Virtual Machine. Debian happens to be the “distro” I’m most familiar with, no issues. Trouble free, can access my Microsoft 365 there and everything and anything I need.

https://www.virtualbox.org/