Need a new copy of Windows 10

[Sonikku]

Much to my chagrin, it appears my new system can't use the upgraded Windows 10 I had been using on my last system under my Microsoft account as they told me over the phone they're tied to the motherboard. At the same time, paying Microsoft $200 for a key strikes me as utterly insane. Are there better options? And no I'm not going to pirate bay.

 

[EXCellR8]

Just buy a $10 OEM key on eBay.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah, pretty-much. Or Bonanza.

 

[WilliamM2]

I thought a clean install using a Windows 7 or 8 key still worked? I know it still worked a couple months ago.

 

[Sonikku]

I thought a clean install using a Windows 7 or 8 key still worked? I know it still worked a couple months ago.

What do you mean?

 

[WilliamM2]

Install and use a win 7 or 8.1 key to activate.

https://www.howtogeek.com/266072/yo...ws-10-for-free-with-a-windows-7-8-or-8.1-key/

 

[Sonikku]

I don't have a 7 or 8.1 key. But no matter. I bought a key off ebay for four bucks. Have to wonder though if it'll be deactivated in the future...

 

[UsandThem]

I don't have a 7 or 8.1 key. But no matter. I bought a key off ebay for four bucks. Have to wonder though if it'll be deactivated in the future...

It will. Could be tomorrow, it could be years. You just don't know what method they used to generate that key, but regardless of their method, it's not a legit method. That old saying of "If it's too good to be true, it .........." applies here.

 

[Sonikku]

Well I'm not worried about tomorrow. Ebay buyer protection ftw. If it lasts a year, I'll be happy. $3.79 a year vs $200 for an "official" key. Even an OEM key would be over a hundred. It shouldn't be too hard for this to average out to being a better value over the long haul. But this thread gives me an idea. Maybe now I should casually be on the look out for old windows 7 and 8 systems and harvest their key to keep in reserve for when Microsoft confiscates my current one.

 

[EXCellR8]

Some of the W10 Pro OEM keys I've bought worked as upgrades and others haven't... but all of them have worked.