why windows 10 don't ask for product keys?

Feb 8th, 2017 10:50 pm

#1

bcroger [OP]: Jr. Member; Sep 20, 2015; 111 posts; 19 upvotes; Burnaby, BC

Feb 8th, 2017 10:50 pm

why windows 10 don't ask for product keys?

I just bought from ebay a windows 10 product key.

after I installed it, windows didn't ask for any keys, and still working.

how long it will last? thanks

the computer I am upgrading is hp desktop with windows vista sticker.

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Feb 8th, 2017 10:57 pm

#2

emailku417: Newbie; Apr 11, 2010; 36 posts; 10 upvotes; Ontario

Feb 8th, 2017 10:57 pm

If you upgrade to Windows 10 from Vista or 7/8, it is free. I believe it's supposed to be only up to some time last year (forgot the exact date). But, I read a few weeks ago that it somehow has been extended to don't know when.

+1

Feb 8th, 2017 10:58 pm

#3

audit13: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2003; 17270 posts; 3509 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 8th, 2017 10:58 pm

Did you do a fresh install? If not, it may have automatically activated using the existing vista key. Check the activation status under system. Once activated, it should remain activated.

Feb 8th, 2017 11:03 pm

#4

JustBob: Deal Fanatic; Aug 25, 2010; 5021 posts; 907 upvotes

Feb 8th, 2017 11:03 pm

Control panel > System and Security > System, check if Windows is activated (bottom of page).

That said:

"You Don’t Need a Product Key to Install and Use Windows 10"

http://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-don ... indows-10/

Or maybe it just used your Vista key.

P.S. Don't know how old that article is and if it's still completely relevant.

Feb 8th, 2017 11:07 pm

#5

Gee: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2004; 33726 posts; 7364 upvotes; East Gwillimbury

Feb 8th, 2017 11:07 pm

Once you install Windows 10 and activate it with a key, any subsequent installs on the same hardware will activate automatically without using the key

The hardware has "digital entitlement" and a key will never be required.

In other words, you are good for the life of the hardware.

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Heatware

+1

Feb 9th, 2017 12:59 am

#6

bcroger [OP]: Jr. Member; Sep 20, 2015; 111 posts; 19 upvotes; Burnaby, BC

Feb 9th, 2017 12:59 am

I have just activated 10+ hp computers using the same key! amazing!

Feb 9th, 2017 7:58 pm

#7

woof: Deal Fanatic; Mar 21, 2002; 6424 posts; 1083 upvotes

Feb 9th, 2017 7:58 pm

From what I recall Vista was not included in the free Win 10 upgrade program. You could only upgrade from Win 7/8.

Feb 9th, 2017 11:38 pm

#8

Devhux: Deal Addict; Jan 13, 2014; 2249 posts; 1303 upvotes; Calgary

Feb 9th, 2017 11:38 pm

bcroger wrote: ↑ I have just activated 10+ hp computers using the same key! amazing!

Sounds like you bought a Volume License Key or just a pirated version (or at least that's how previous versions of Windows called it). It works, but isn't really legit.

Feb 10th, 2017 12:24 am

#9

bcroger [OP]: Jr. Member; Sep 20, 2015; 111 posts; 19 upvotes; Burnaby, BC

Feb 10th, 2017 12:24 am

windows 10 suck anyway, microsoft should pay me to watch those annoying advertisements.

+1

Feb 10th, 2017 12:25 am

#10

divx: Deal Expert; Oct 26, 2003; 35122 posts; 4309 upvotes; Winnipeg

Feb 10th, 2017 12:25 am

Gee wrote: ↑ Once you install Windows 10 and activate it with a key, any subsequent installs on the same hardware will activate automatically without using the key

The hardware has "digital entitlement" and a key will never be required.

In other words, you are good for the life of the hardware.

this is why buying cutting edge make sense, lasts longer

Beware of Aliexpress and Mi Store