Windows 10: Activate OEM version key on different version

Hello,

i have installed Win 10 PRO x64 from original ISO, i choose activate later. Today my KEY WIN 10 PRO X64 arrived but is OEM (DVD media) version.

How can i activate OEM version without reinstall? Problem is that PC dont have DVD :/

:)

 

Error in Activation

Does this mean you used this method to activate with the OEM key during the original installation.

If the last 5 characters in the screenshot are different to the key you have for the OEM licence then input the OEM key again in Change product key. The error code suggest the code is in use on another device. I assume it has never been used on another installation.

 

Moving OEM windows 10 to new build

Under the terms of the Windows 10 OEM license agreement, no, but you could try phone activation as a work around/loophole. It has worked.

OEM versions of Windows 10 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

1. Press Windows key + X then clickRun, then type:
slui.exe 4

2. Next press the 'ENTER' key

3. Select your 'Country' from the list.

4. Choose the 'Phone Activation' option.

5. Stay on the phone (do not select/press any options) and wait for a person to help you with activation.

6. Explain your problem clearly to the support person.

 

You must have been supplied with a key?

Look on packaging.

If not there, ask seller. If he replies "it is not needed, just install from drive", then I would ask for you money back, as (afaik) that style of installation died out with Windows 7. This would suggest that there is some dodgy/illegal activation mechanism on disk.

 

Just enter the key - no need to reinstall. Doesn't matter if you used ISO or DVD.

 

Yes, Windows 10 uses a different type of OEM activation from what Windows 7 used. No SLIC table, it uses an embedded key instead. All (official) Windows 10 install media, OEM or Retail, looks for and will use OEM embedded keys automatically. Branded (HP, Dell, etc) OEM install media likely has OEM branding in it, and maybe some other customizations, if obtained from Dell, etc. I wouldn't expect it to come with a Product key. The assumption is its embedded in the PC's BIOS. That's my understanding anyway. Regular (system builder) OEM install media from new Egg etc, won't have anything extra added. Assuming you can buy system builder OEM install media for Windows 10. OEM system builder install media should come with a product key.

 

My reading of the OP is that rather than having bought a OEM (Dell or whatever) PC with Windows installed they installed 10 Pro from ISO and didn't enter a key.

They then bought a OEM key (like this Windows 10 Pro 64-bit-Newegg.com for example) which has just arrived.

If this is the case you can enter the key - you do not need to reinstall using special media - the install from standard Microsoft ISO from Microsoft works fine.

Technically (according to the EULA) OEM keys are for computers you build and intend to sell to someone else but the key will activate the existing install just by going to settings > activation and typing it in (assuming it hasn't been used before).

 

Yes, that's the way I read it also. He should have a key somewhere in the package. And if that key matches the Edition installed, it should activate once its entered manually.

 

Then why KEY isnt working?

I installed Win 10 x64 PRO N (.ISO) didnt activate, and later i got original Win10 X64 PRO DVD with OEM KEY and now i cant activate. Do they embbed key on DVD (lame) ???

 

"They" do not embed any key in the DVD. It doesn't work like that. You activate an edition with the correct key. A key from another edition doesn't work.

Are you saying you installed Pro N and your key is for Pro?

If so your key is for the wrong edition. Same as if you installed Pro and tried to put in a home key.

Assuming that that is the case, unless you want to try to change your installed edition, you need to install Pro (not Pro N) and try again.

Do try to give more information in your posts as otherwise everyone is guessing what you mean.

If you want instructions on what to change in registry to make Pro N into Pro then say so. It is pretty simple and you could find it on Google in seconds if that is what you want to do.

 

Thanks for quick respond, but difference between Pro N and Pro is so minor i cant believe that key dont works... Will change to PRO and install key!

Edit: Can you give me link for registry change. I dont want to reinstall again whole system...

Upgrade from Pro version to full Pro Solved - Windows 10 Forums
(on this thread tells other story, that you cannot change without clean instalation, also another thread on this forums tells the same, this is so retarded if its true...)

Who the hell uses shitty Media Player??? They should removed this by default (Europe is smart).

So many different information for so simply thing...

 

I use Media Player all the time, almost daily. As near as I can tell, you have two choices. Do a clean install of 10 Pro and use the key you have now, or buy a new product code for 10 Pro N.

 

Logic question, how is possible that version which have less function i cannot activate with version wich have more options.

So retarded, will make more sense if you cant activate Pro with Pro N (key), but hey this is M$ they removed START button in 8 *Smile

 

It's always been that way, the key has to match the Edition installed. That's how you know you installed the wrong Edition. *Wink

 

Yep, on Balkan we used cracked software alltime so we dont know procedure *Smile