Does Windows 10 still accept Windows 7 keys for clean install?

[cbn]

I know the upgrade period ended July 29th, but is Micosoft still allowing the use of Windows 7 keys for clean install of Windows 10?

 

[Dahak]

not sure, until its tried. But I could be mistaken but someone here on the forums did one not that long a go, think it was sometime last week.

 

[JackMDS]

I have No recent experience with OEM key's Upgrade.

The Retail key's Upgrades from Win 7-8 to 10 is still working.

 

[mikeymikec]

I'm almost certain that I've used OEM <10 keys for Win10 installations since the cut-off date. One example I can think of without doubt is a laptop that came with Win7 preinstalled but had a Win8 key stored in UEFI. Win10 installed and activated, no questions asked.

I'm almost as certain that I did a Win10 upgrade using the DVD disc on a machine that was using Win7 or Win8 after the cut-off date as well.

At the end of the day I'd put a confident bet down that Win10 will accept any valid Win7/8 keys for either an upgrade via DVD/USB or a clean install. They want everyone using Win10, that much is obvious. The purpose of the cut-off date was to rush people into adopting it then talking up how enthusiastic people are about upgrading because x million upgraded in the first year, IMO. Of course, that line of logic didn't work as well as they hoped it would, even though they were literally giving it away.

 

[Anteaus]

Just run the upgrade from Windows 7. If the upgrade is successful and you activate, your new Windows 10 key will be tied to your hardware. After that, you can just do a clean install of Windows 10. Even though it asks for he key, you don't need to enter one. As long as you have the internet after installation, it should automatically activate.

That's assuming the free upgrade is still working. Good luck.

 

[vailr]

Windows 7, 8, & 8.1 keys still working for a fresh install of Windows 10, as of 21 SEP 2016:
https://www.thurrott.com/podcasts/80628/windows-weekly-484-microsoft-life

 

[JackMDS]

It even works today Sep. 22

Few hours ago I Activated Win 10 Pro with old Win 7 Ulti. retail key.

 

[nerp]

Yes. For now. Who knows how long.

 

[slag]

So i have windows 10 installed currently that I upgraded to from Windows 7 last year. I need to wipe everything and reinstall due to some annoying issues that I can't correct and have now hacked this install up beyond repair. Are you saying I can format, install from the Windows 10 ISO I downloaded yesterday from Microsoft, and it will install and work without asking for anything special? Do I need to go online to MS and register first or anything or is my computer information already at MS and it will work, assuming I don't make any hardware changes.

 

[MaxDepth]

Just be advised for upgrades that the Win7 to Win10 will blank your other MS products. I had the issue of Win10 not accepting the keys. Granted, these keys were from my old Technet subscription, but I am still abiding by the terms, not using them for my "production" system, not resold, etc.

I had to call to get the Office Professional reset. But what what burned my biscuits about the whole upgrade process is that when the upgrade failed on one of my systems (never figured out why too), it unlicensed the applications too, even though the system never successfully upgraded to Win10.

 

[MaxDepth]

Will this help you?
http://www.howtogeek.com/253901/get-windows-10-for-free-after-july-29th-with-a-little-prep-now/

It talks about "digital entitlement" than you have with your PC being already converted to Win10.

So i have windows 10 installed currently that I upgraded to from Windows 7 last year. I need to wipe everything and reinstall due to some annoying issues that I can't correct and have now hacked this install up beyond repair. Are you saying I can format, install from the Windows 10 ISO I downloaded yesterday from Microsoft, and it will install and work without asking for anything special? Do I need to go online to MS and register first or anything or is my computer information already at MS and it will work, assuming I don't make any hardware changes.

 

[nerp]

So i have windows 10 installed currently that I upgraded to from Windows 7 last year. I need to wipe everything and reinstall due to some annoying issues that I can't correct and have now hacked this install up beyond repair. Are you saying I can format, install from the Windows 10 ISO I downloaded yesterday from Microsoft, and it will install and work without asking for anything special? Do I need to go online to MS and register first or anything or is my computer information already at MS and it will work, assuming I don't make any hardware changes.

You have it easy. Format and install Windows fresh. Skip the part when it asks for a key. Once you're online, it will automatically activate. Your system has a digital entitlement for Windows 10 forever. You can even swap hard drives and other components without worry. The main thing to break activation is a motherboard switch.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

You have it easy. Format and install Windows fresh. Skip the part when it asks for a key. Once you're online, it will automatically activate. Your system has a digital entitlement for Windows 10 forever. You can even swap hard drives and other components without worry. The main thing to break activation is a motherboard switch.

Even the mainboard is easily gotten past. Install as usual skipping the key. When it fails to activate, go to Activation under update and security, and pick troubleshoot. From there you can choose the I changed hardware on this device recently option. It is important to note that before doing any of that you need to associate the install with a Microsoft account. Do that, and worry not, you can still revert to a local account again.

If you are unable to upgrade using any other method, it is still free by using this link https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade

 

[VirtualLarry]

It even works today Sep. 22

Few hours ago I Activated Win 10 Pro with old Win 7 Ulti. retail key.

I was informed by several members here, that since MS has "officially" closed the free upgrade to Windows 10 offer, that doing so is an act of piracy. So, Jack, you should report yourself to the Mods on here for piracy.

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/worth-re-formatting-core2-era-rig-or-sell-new-rig.2485812/

 

[mikeymikec]

I was informed by several members here, that since MS has "officially" closed the free upgrade to Windows 10 offer, that doing so is an act of piracy. So, Jack, you should report yourself to the Mods on here for piracy.

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/worth-re-formatting-core2-era-rig-or-sell-new-rig.2485812/

Easy defence: "oh, I thought I had previously updated to 10 and therefore entitled myself to indefinite update privileges".

 

[Puffnstuff]

You can still install 7 and then use the official MS assisted technologies upgrade route to jump to 10.

 

[JackMDS]

I was informed by several members here, that since MS has "officially" closed the free upgrade to Windows 10 offer, that doing so is an act of piracy. So, Jack, you should report yourself to the Mods on here for piracy.

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/worth-re-formatting-core2-era-rig-or-sell-new-rig.2485812/

It is Not Piracy for an Individual to Activate his/her own Win 10 Upgrade with a Retail key of Win 7/8.

For whatever reason unbeknown to me Microsoft decided to still accept this Method of Upgrade.

In your case, the Thread that started with the Topic - Worth re-formatting Core2-era rig? Or sell new rig? Suggest a Bushiness transaction and I do not know what the status of what you are trying to do when it is concerning Win 10 Upgrade.

As personal Note - I spend a lot of time (18 years) in Helping people on this Forum. I see it a sort of Volunteer work to support regular people in their Computers' technology endeavors. I am a Nero-Rehabilitation Specialist and do not derive my income from Computers' business.

I do not perceive online Voluntary Forums as a platform to Help Businesses to save money in order to make money (It is my personal view on my OnLine help and has nothing to do with AT Forums per-se).

On the other hand, it seems that you "Kind of" making parts of your participation in the AT Forums as a "Consultant" to your repair shop (or whatever you call it). If you notice I did not even participated in your "Sell New Rig" thread.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I was just teasing you Jack, hence the smiley. I believe, that as long as MS-approved methods and install media are used to perform an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, that as long as MS's servers approve the activation, then you should be good to go.

Edit: And my computer gig is more along the lines of building PCs and re-formatting them, for friends and family. Maybe a few neighbors too. It's a lot more like a Hobby than a Business. Lord knows, I don't make much of anything from it. I try, sometimes, though. I've given away more PCs than I've sold. Gets them out of my apt., at least.

And for the record, I don't really participate in the FS/FT forums here, mostly because I tend to buy Hot Deals in bulk, and would likely be considered a "dealer" if I unloaded some of my stuff here.

I like to participate, and help other people too, it's not a way to drum up business.

 

[NeoPTLD]

I was just teasing you Jack, hence the smiley. I believe, that as long as MS-approved methods and install media are used to perform an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, that as long as MS's servers approve the activation, then you should be good to go.

That's like saying you're allowed to use and bring guests to the pool at your old apartment, because the lock accepted the code you were previously given as valid. Since you continue to argue about it, how about you call Microsoft and get the answer straight from them?

Edit: And my computer gig is more along the lines of building PCs and re-formatting them, for friends and family. Maybe a few neighbors too. It's a lot more like a Hobby than a Business. Lord knows, I don't make much of anything from it. I try, sometimes, though. I've given away more PCs than I've sold. Gets them out of my apt., at least.

And for the record, I don't really participate in the FS/FT forums here, mostly because I tend to buy Hot Deals in bulk, and would likely be considered a "dealer" if I unloaded some of my stuff here.

I like to participate, and help other people too, it's not a way to drum up business.

Why would you buy hot deals in bulk unless you're buying them to flip or stock up service inventory? Piracy matters a whole lot more when you're doing it to give yourself the edge over competitor to drum up your hardware sales or service calls that you are compensated for in money. They call it unfair competitive advantage.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I dare you, accuse JackMDS of piracy, just like you just did me. After he admitted to recently (after MS's publically-mentioned deadline) activating a Windows 10 copy with a Windows 7 key. Do you have the balls?

 

[mikeymikec]

I think it's a dubious use of one's time to accuse someone of pirating a product that has been given away for free en masse, nor has MS made any effort been made to time-lock upgrades to that product despite the fact that many pre-release versions of Windows have been time-locked. I have a Win10 RC version for example that has such a time-lock. The same applied to the RC versions of Vista and Win7 I once had.

If VL had come up with a way of getting Win10 to accept product keys that MS has never approved, or say licences for versions of Windows that were never promised a free upgrade, that would be a different story. As others have said, MS have still left avenues open for free upgrades, the assisted tech route for example, as if a year was not enough time for such people.

Also, MS has in the past put significant restrictions and obstacles in place for users wanting certain products, the earliest versions of Office Student edition required sending in proofs that the user is on an IT education course (including at least one signed statement from the user's educator). The MS Action Pack now has considerably more hoops to jump through for anyone who wants to take advantage of its "test licences", and yet one is supposed to assume that Win10 left its biggest product launch unprotected from upgrades beyond the original parameters it set because of something akin to "it forgot to change the pool code". In short, don't be silly.

 

[JackMDS]

This page is the Best summary of the Most Senior connected independent New person dealing with Microsoft news.

Read it (to the end) and make your own decision.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/window...available-using-windows-7-and-8-product-keys/

Quote: "Bottom line: We don't know when Microsoft will finally and completely shut off the free Windows 10 updates for Windows 7 and 8.X users. But if you still don't have Windows 10 and want it, I'd say you should hurry".

This article is written by Ms. Foley who is considered one of the Top independent writhers that writes about Microsoft.

You can be sure that every words that she writes is read carefully by Senior management in Microsoft.

Thus, it seems that it is Microsoft choice is to allow the ongoing Upgrade but to not make any official announcement about it.

 

[NeoPTLD]

As others have said, MS have still left avenues open for free upgrades, the assisted tech route for example, as if a year was not enough time for such people.

I think that's a dubious and insensitive thing to say. Not all Windows 7 compatible devices have Windows 10 or 8 compatible driver. We're talking about expensive essential devices used by people with disabilities that allow them to use a computer. They may not have driver development at the same pace as mainstream discretionary gadget.

http://betanews.com/2016/08/03/microsoft-to-close-free-windows-10-loophole/

You can see the very business nature of using Windows 10 upgrade in unorthodox way to harness additional service sale for his for-profit IT service enterprise if you take a look at the thread VirtualLarry dragged along with his snarky comment. VirtualLarry seems adamant that "free upgrade" for consumers is inclusive of dispensing rights for service enterprise but myself and a few other members disagree. I suggested settled the dispute by getting authoritative answer by asking Microsoft directly in my last response but it doesn't sound like he's done it.

 

[mikeymikec]

I think that's a dubious and insensitive thing to say. Not all Windows 7 compatible devices have Windows 10 or 8 compatible driver. We're talking about expensive essential devices used by people with disabilities that allow them to use a computer. They may not have driver development at the same pace as mainstream discretionary gadget.

Insensitive how exactly? And just aside from the fact that most of the input devices I've encountered in this context are recognised as standard keyboard or pointing devices (so therefore would be as PnP-ready as they are on older versions of Windows). I don't know about you, but if I was heavily disabled and required lots of extra tech (let's say it did require special drivers and niche third party software to make it work) to allow me to use the communications lifeline that my computer would inevitably be, the last thing I would be thinking about is whether I can get a free upgrade that might break all my stuff with very likely zero benefits.

http://betanews.com/2016/08/03/microsoft-to-close-free-windows-10-loophole/

You can see the very business nature of using Windows 10 upgrade in unorthodox way to harness additional service sale for his for-profit IT service enterprise if you take a look at the thread VirtualLarry dragged along with his snarky comment. VirtualLarry seems adamant that "free upgrade" for consumers is inclusive of dispensing rights for service enterprise but myself and a few other members disagree. I suggested settled the dispute by getting authoritative answer by asking Microsoft directly in my last response but it doesn't sound like he's done it.

If I considered Microsoft to be a paragon of morality and generally reasonable business practices, and/or its time limit on free upgrades to be based on reasonable and/or ethical notions, or the free upgrade to be an act of selfless charity, I might be inclined to care a little more. If a user got a free upgrade from a legitimate Win7 or 8x licence on July 29th or July 30th, I fail to see what difference it makes to anyone.

There are at least two other ways that people could upgrade from Win7 or 8x to 10 for free that don't involve assisted technologies and they don't involve any kind of hackery.

 

[VirtualLarry]

You can see the very business nature of using Windows 10 upgrade in unorthodox way to harness additional service sale for his for-profit IT service enterprise if you take a look at the thread VirtualLarry dragged along with his snarky comment. VirtualLarry seems adamant that "free upgrade" for consumers is inclusive of dispensing rights for service enterprise but myself and a few other members disagree.

What exactly are you trying to say here? That it's legal for a Windows user to perform the upgrade to Windows 10 themselves, but that it's somehow illegal to pay someone else to press the keyboard and click the mouse for them?

Edit: And what about BestBuy and Staples? When Windows 10's free upgrade first came out, they were offering to perform the upgrade FOR THE USER, for FREE, if they bought a PC that had Windows 8.1 pre-installed on it. Are you claiming that BestBuy and Staples were committing a crime?

Do you likewise believe that it's illegal to hire a mechanic to perform an oil change on your car? LOL.

Edit: And, please explain, how using the "Media Creation Tool", something that MS provides FREE and PUBLICALLY, to upgrade a LEGAL copy of Windows 7, to Windows 10, is somehow "unorthodox". It's not like I'm downloading a crack from some obscure underground website and applying it. It's free from freaking Microsoft themselves!

Edit: To add, I serve a few clients that are on Disability, for various reasons (both physical and mental). Those people are likely not capable of performing the Windows 10 upgrade on their own. They need help. If you consider it illegal for them to hire anyone to help them perform the upgrade, then what? You want them to be stuck with an obsolete OS? Are you saying, screw people that aren't tech-heads, people with disabilities, screw them all? Your comments come across very offensively.