Anyone know a reliable place to obtain a Windows 10/11 key?

[zedzed77]

Long story short, I upgraded my 10 year old desktop which used to have a Windows 7 upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows 7 key is legit but now expired, and the Windows 10 is no longer detecting my system as legitimate due to the upgrade. This install was linked to my Microsoft account, and it looks like my Microsoft Account is refusing to acknowledge this machine. Looks like I may need to get a new Windows 10 key.

I DO NOT want to pay $200 for a new license key for something I technically already own so wondering if anyone knows a place where I can get a Microsoft Windows 10/11 key on the cheap? Willing to pay $50 max for a key, will write it off as a business expense.

 

[NotADcotor]

Long story short, I upgraded my 10 year old desktop which used to have a Windows 7 upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows 7 key is legit but now expired, and the Windows 10 is no longer detecting my system as legitimate due to the upgrade. This install was linked to my Microsoft account, and it looks like my Microsoft Account is refusing to acknowledge this machine. Looks like I may need to get a new Windows 10 key.

I DO NOT want to pay $200 for a new license key for something I technically already own so wondering if anyone knows a place where I can get a Microsoft Windows 10/11 key on the cheap? Willing to pay $50 max for a key, will write it off as a business expense.

I hate to be that guy, but Linux is much better than it used to be, unless you have software that needs Windows that is.

The exact clip I was thinking about from ages ago. Glad I could find it.

 

[zedzed77]

I hate to be that guy, but Linux is much better than it used to be, unless you have software that needs Windows that is.

The exact clip I was thinking about from ages ago. Glad I could find it.

Yes, I absolutely need Windows on this machine.

 

[MorganStanley1]

Long story short, I upgraded my 10 year old desktop which used to have a Windows 7 upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows 7 key is legit but now expired, and the Windows 10 is no longer detecting my system as legitimate due to the upgrade. This install was linked to my Microsoft account, and it looks like my Microsoft Account is refusing to acknowledge this machine. Looks like I may need to get a new Windows 10 key.

I DO NOT want to pay $200 for a new license key for something I technically already own so wondering if anyone knows a place where I can get a Microsoft Windows 10/11 key on the cheap? Willing to pay $50 max for a key, will write it off as a business expense.

Windows is free to download from microsofts website. To activate it, you will need a key. Fortunately, some smart people on github have released a script that will activate it for you for free. I've used this on over a dozen pc's so far and it works like a charm. No one pays for windows anymore lol. Cheers buddy.

Step 1) https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

Step 2) https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts/tree/master/MAS

 

[neondayz]

If you want an actual key I just bought one off eBay

 

[zedzed77]

Windows is free to download from microsofts website. To activate it, you will need a key. Fortunately, some smart people on github have released a script that will activate it for you for free. I've used this on over a dozen pc's so far and it works like a charm. No one pays for windows anymore lol. Cheers buddy.

Step 1) https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

Step 2) https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts/tree/master/MAS

Which version of the script do you use? All-In-One or Separate files version?

 

[MorganStanley1]

Which version of the script do you use? All-In-One or Separate files version?

All-in-one.

Instructions: https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts/tree/master#download--how-to-use-it

 

[jon_snow]

Sounds stupid, but have you tried giving microsoft a call? They should be able to fix that on their end if it's linked to your account. What problem specifically are you getting?

 

[itheprocrastinator]

I hate to be that guy, but Linux is much better than it used to be, unless you have software that needs Windows that is.

If I just used my computer for work I think I would be able to switch to Linux.

 

[zedzed77]

Sounds stupid, but have you tried giving microsoft a call? They should be able to fix that on their end if it's linked to your account. What problem specifically are you getting?

I already called Microsoft. The problem is apparently what I had expected: because the copy of windows is upgraded from Windows 7, it may be a licensed copy but it isn't a valid one that is registered on their system. They are able to see that it is actually Windows 7 and therefore the licensing is based on that.

Personally, I think that's bollocks but I am unable to do anything about it. Considering that I am a small business owner, I can spring for the cost of a Windows 11 key, and don't mind doing so, just don't want to pay $200 for it.

 

[jon_snow]

I already called Microsoft. The problem is apparently what I had expected: because the copy of windows is upgraded from Windows 7, it may be a licensed copy but it isn't a valid one that is registered on their system. They are able to see that it is actually Windows 7 and therefore the licensing is based on that.

Personally, I think that's bollocks but I am unable to do anything about it. Considering that I am a small business owner, I can spring for the cost of a Windows 11 key, and don't mind doing so, just don't want to pay $200 for it.

Pretty sure it is bs. Considering windows 10 was always a free upgrade from whatever windows version you had, and if you had windows 10 then you could upgrade to windows 11 for free as well. Sorry to hear that.

 

[SheWasHot]

Long story short, I upgraded my 10 year old desktop which used to have a Windows 7 upgraded to Windows 10. The Windows 7 key is legit but now expired, and the Windows 10 is no longer detecting my system as legitimate due to the upgrade. This install was linked to my Microsoft account, and it looks like my Microsoft Account is refusing to acknowledge this machine. Looks like I may need to get a new Windows 10 key.

I DO NOT want to pay $200 for a new license key for something I technically already own so wondering if anyone knows a place where I can get a Microsoft Windows 10/11 key on the cheap? Willing to pay $50 max for a key, will write it off as a business expense.

There is this website called Keysfan

I got it from several youtubers who use it for sponsoring. I have never used but it seems legit as there are no complaints from the users.

Several of the youtubers offer discount codes to further reduce the price of the products. I have this one HXC62 but I don't know if it still valid. ( it was for Windows)

 

[zedzed77]

So I figured out what the problem was.

There is a bug in the system in which the Windows 7 key was not properly registered on the system itself. Normally, when you install Windows 10, on a fresh vanilla system, youre supposed to use a key you get from Microsoft and it is stored on the system. But upgrades from Windows 7 do not store their key. Attempts to link the rebuilt system were unsuccessful as the troubleshooter would fail as soon it was initiated.

This meant that the only way to resolve this issue is to do a fresh install and run the troubleshooter to link the new system to the license. Fortunately, i had a spare SATA hard drive lying around so i did a fresh install on that linking my Microsoft account, ran the troubleshooter and got my system linked. I then reattached the original drive and voila, the system is now properly registered. Yay, no hokey license keys required!!!

 

[Vinson]

If its all legit you can call microsoft, they helped me before with the key.

 

[bver_hunter]

If any one still needs to update a Windows 11 PC even if it is not compatible when doing the PC Health Check, then follow one of these two options.
Option One, if you have a TPM Chip installed even if it is a Windows 1.2 version, then it takes you in a step by step instruction how to unhide it and update prior to installing Windows 11.
Option Two is for those who do not have a TPM Chip installed their computer. You can still bypass the restrictions and install the Windows 11. But make sure that you have a USB Memory Stick of at least 16 GB plugged in before installing Windows 11. However, your Computer should have at least 4GB RAM, and 64 GB Data Storage. If your computer does not meet these criteria then just retire it when Windows 10 is not supported:

You can still upgrade old PCs to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no: Readers prove it

If your PC runs Windows 10, you can ignore those pesky compatibility checks and upgrade to Windows 11. Here's how nearly two dozen ZDNET readers got the job done and saved their laptops from the scrap pile.

www.zdnet.com

The above is just for Windows 11 Home and not the Pro. Saves you a couple of hundred bucks. Enjoy, as you will notice a much faster startup and response to various Apps.

How to upgrade Windows Home edition to Pro (and why you would)

You've got a new PC running Windows 11 Home. You want to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Here's how to make that upgrade happen, and how to restore that upgrade if necessary.

www.zdnet.com

The above one is to Upgrade the Windows 11 Home to the Windows 11 Pro

You can also access the BIOS to upgrade to an advanced protection if you do not have a TPM chip installed in the Computer. That is a separate link.

 

[pavel bure]

If any one still needs to update a Windows 11 PC even if it is not compatible when doing the PC Health Check, then follow one of these two options.
Option One, if you have a TPM Chip installed even if it is a Windows 1.2 version, then it takes you in a step by step instruction how to unhide it and update prior to installing Windows 11.
Option Two is for those who do not have a TPM Chip installed their computer. You can still bypass the restrictions and install the Windows 11. But make sure that you have a USB Memory Stick of at least 16 GB plugged in before installing Windows 11. However, your Computer should have at least 4GB RAM, and 64 GB Data Storage. If your computer does not meet these criteria then just retire it when Windows 10 is not supported:

You can still upgrade old PCs to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no: Readers prove it

If your PC runs Windows 10, you can ignore those pesky compatibility checks and upgrade to Windows 11. Here's how nearly two dozen ZDNET readers got the job done and saved their laptops from the scrap pile.

www.zdnet.com

The above is just for Windows 11 Home and not the Pro. Saves you a couple of hundred bucks. Enjoy, as you will notice a much faster startup and response to various Apps.

How to upgrade Windows Home edition to Pro (and why you would)

You've got a new PC running Windows 11 Home. You want to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Here's how to make that upgrade happen, and how to restore that upgrade if necessary.

www.zdnet.com

The above one is to Upgrade the Windows 11 Home to the Windows 11 Pro

You can also access the BIOS to upgrade to an advanced protection if you do not have a TPM chip installed in the Computer. That is a separate link.

Thank you, as Option 2 worked perfectly. Was almost going to get a Tech Expert to upgrade it. They wanted $250 for this Upgrade as my Windows 10 was not compatible when doing the PC Health Check

 

[bver_hunter]

Thank you, as Option 2 worked perfectly. Was almost going to get a Tech Expert to upgrade it. They wanted $250 for this Upgrade as my Windows 10 was not compatible when doing the PC Health Check

Apparently, Microsoft will support Windows 10 after October 2025, but it will come as a cost to those who have not upgraded to Windows 11.