Windows 10: After upgrading from HDD to M.2, Windows is asking for my product key

I added an M.2 drive to my desktop. Attempts at cloning it failed, so I just did a fresh install on the M.2. But after booting windows is asking me to Activate. But I don't have the key from the HDD written down. I thought that data was stored in the BIOS ASUS ROG Strix B-550F motherboard, but apparently not?

:)

 

Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant asking for product key


So make sure that you are attempting to upgrade to the Home Single Language Edition. The "about" system settings screen will tell you if it is 32-bits or 64-bits (operating system):





Using the media creation tool, you want the matching 32-bit or 64-bit Single Language Edition:





From the Windows 10 ISO download site, it's just listed as Single Language Edition:





Doing an upgrade to the correct edition Anniversary Update should not ask for a product key.

 

Windows 10 Asking for Product Key

Am using Dell Laptop with windows 8.1 Home OEM . When i try to upgrade to Windows 10, it is asking me the Product Key , with out any option for Skipping. Haven't changed any hardware from original laptop. Only have Partitioned HDD to C and D. Please
suggest how to proceed further.

 

win 10 upgrade asking for product key


An upgrade to Windows 10 running properly will not ask for a product key. Are you sure the version on the USB is the exact same version as the previous operating system on the computer you are trying to upgrade? Pro or home; N, standard, or Single Language Version? If you continue with an upgrade that is asking for a product key, it will not activate.

A clean install will ask for a product key, and that can be skipped. Unless you have purchased a license for Windows 10 that has it's own unique product key, you should never enter a product key when upgrading or clean installing Windows 10.