Windows 10: Can I use an old unused Windows 8.1 activation key to install windows 10 or windows 11?

Discus and support Can I use an old unused Windows 8.1 activation key to install windows 10 or windows 11? in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; I had purchased 3-4 Microsoft Windows Pro 8.1 DVDs way back in 2014. I still have one unused that I found completely packed. I am just buying a new... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Wenvy, Sep 11, 2023.

  1. WENVY
    Wenvy Win User

    Can I use an old unused Windows 8.1 activation key to install windows 10 or windows 11?


    I had purchased 3-4 Microsoft Windows Pro 8.1 DVDs way back in 2014. I still have one unused that I found completely packed. I am just buying a new system and was wondering if I could install windows 11 or Windows 10 directly on the new system and use the key directly to activate the new windows?Or do I need to install windows 8.1 and activate it using the key then get a free upgrade to windows 10/11?Or is it not valid for an upgrade anymore?Regards,Tanmay Mirani

    :)
     
    Wenvy, Sep 11, 2023
    #1
  2. THELOSTSWEDE
    TheLostSwede Win User

    Installing Windows 10 using Windows 7 key

    Nope, you need to install Windows 10 first and make sure the Windows 7 key is transferred to your Windows account after you've installed Windows 10 (not quite sure how that works). I missed the last step and I could not activate Windows 10 after a re-install... Microsoft seem to have done everything they can to make it a PITA. Also, it's technically too late to do this now anyhow, as the upgrade offer has expired. But KMSPico works quite well...

    As for getting rid of Windows, delete the Windows folder.
     
    TheLostSwede, Sep 11, 2023
    #2
  3. MICHAELDFF
    MichaelDFF Win User
    Installing Windows 10 using Windows 7 key

    Thank you, but I still want to know if I can do a clean installation of Windows with my new SSD whilst my old Windows is still installed on the other pc?
     
    MichaelDFF, Sep 11, 2023
    #3
  4. THEHUNTER
    TheHunter Win User

    Can I use an old unused Windows 8.1 activation key to install windows 10 or windows 11?

    Windows 8 key troubles

    or just use generic cdkey to install and then that key to activate later

    hxxp://superuser.com/questions/697253/clean-install-windows-8-1-or-windows-8-from-oem-key

    bellow in comments
     
    TheHunter, Sep 11, 2023
    #4
Thema:

Can I use an old unused Windows 8.1 activation key to install windows 10 or windows 11?

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