Windows 7 Pro Upgrade Key & New build

[bagelnagel]

I recently built a new computer, and would like to transfer my Windows 7 Pro key from my old rig to the new one. I did a clean install of Windows 7 Pro, tried to validate it, but could not as the key is an upgrade. Any thoughts as to how I can transfer over my working key from my old rig? Is it technically a different key?

 

[ep0x73]

Far as I remember when you use a upgrade key the old key is destroyed and you can't transfer.
Sadly your best bet would be to use that 7 upgrade key to upgrade to 10 for free.

Maybe there is some trick somebody can chime in with.

 

[Grebuloner]

Super easy to get up and running. I've done this with my own machines when reinstalling Windows but avoiding the old/new OS double install:

WikiHow article with pics

I've read that this may have a problem if you've got updates pending a restart, but can't confirm.

Good luck!

 

[x509]

Super easy to get up and running. I've done this with my own machines when reinstalling Windows but avoiding the old/new OS double install:

WikiHow article with pics

I've read that this may have a problem if you've got updates pending a restart, but can't confirm.

Good luck!

Can anyone confirm that you can OR cannot use this approach to do a clean install of Windows 10. If not, is there any other way to do a clean install?

 

[DPI]

Can anyone confirm that you can OR cannot use this approach to do a clean install of Windows 10. If not, is there any other way to do a clean install?

If you're upgrading a 7/8/8.1 key to Windows 10, it seems that clean-install will require two installations: First you run the upgrade installation - which ties your Windows 10 activation right to your motherboard and stores it in an MSA, then you can blow the partition away and do a clean install.

To me that's pretty lame. I really wish there was a way to pre-authorize the Windows 10 activation right online, meaning you go to a portal and enter your 7/8/8.1 key, it pre-activates Windows 10 in your MSA, and you can go straight to a clean install.

The way I read this is they're making everyone suffer including retail key holders because they want those OEM copies of 7 and 8 to stay put on the same machine.

 

[ashmelev75]

If you're upgrading a 7/8/8.1 key to Windows 10, it seems that clean-install will require two installations: First you run the upgrade installation - which ties your Windows 10 activation right to your motherboard and stores it in an MSA, then you can blow the partition away and do a clean install.

Is Microsoft Account required for Win7->Win10 free upgrade? I prefer a local account.

 

[x509]

Is Microsoft Account required for Win7->Win10 free upgrade? I prefer a local account.

You, me, and probably most of the guys here. But it's a Brave New World for Windows 10. This "free" upgrade really isn't free.