Are windows 7 coa keys still working for Windows 10 installs?

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Mar 15, 2002
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I heard they stopped the free upgrade when it's already installed on the 31st, but said nothing about using a windows 7 key for a fresh install of 10.
 
If you used the Windows 7 (and the corresponding key) to upgrade during the original free upgrade period, then your Windows 7 key was "upgraded" to a Windows 10 key and could be used to install a fresh install of Windows 10 in the future. I am not sure if that service (on the back end) is still running. Its not going to hurt anything to try. You could do it in a VM if you just want to test to see if it passes the check.
 
just did 2 HP laptops and an Acer laptop .. 2 were Win7 Home and I used the keys for fresh install of Win10 .. the other had Win 8 and I just did a fresh install of Win10 and it activated on its own with no key manually inputed.
 
It might NOT work later, but it does work NOW so the idea is - while you're still able to do it - image your current installation(s), make a bit-for-bit backup using some imaging software like Acronis True Image, CloneZilla, Macrium Reflect or whatever you want, verify the image before proceeding then do the installation of Windows 10 however you want using whatever Product Key(s) you have now, get it activated so the activation hash for that hardware configuration is stored on Microsoft's servers (or attached to a Microsoft account if you choose that route), and once that's done then roll back to the previous image.

This way you lock in the activation at least the one time while you can given those keys still allow use in that particular manner. The longer people wait to make use of them just means Microsoft has more opportunity to pull the plug, so to speak, on any potential upgrade opportunities - don't let those keys go to waste, basically.

My best advice is always just avoid Windows 10, period, but some folks just gotta use it I suppose. :D
 
My best advice is always just avoid Windows 10, period, but some folks just gotta use it I suppose. :D
Yeah, this. I'm actually planning to go back to 7. Been using 10 for about 18 months now, and it doesn't get any better. Arguably it gets worse with each "creators" update.
 
If you installed 10 during the "free" upgrade, and are doing a fresh re-install, it should be fine.
IF you want to take a 7 and make it 10 now, or in the future, I thought they stopped the free upgrade.
 
If you installed 10 during the "free" upgrade, and are doing a fresh re-install, it should be fine.
IF you want to take a 7 and make it 10 now, or in the future, I thought they stopped the free upgrade.

Windows 7 keys are still working for a clean install of Windows 10 .. it could stop at anytime though I suppose.
 
I know this is an ancient thread but I have not seen any recent updates on the subject. Win7 Pro keys are still working to activate Win 10 Pro.
 
yes .. just did a couple win 10 installs from win 7 keys within last week
 
That's because Win10 is essentially adware so I would assume it's going to remain "free" now and in the future.
 
I did a clean install of 10 on an HP a few months ago and input the Win 7 COA key. It activated just fine. The station had never been upgraded to 10 due to incompatible hardware.
 
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