Windows 10: Can't activate Windows because "the product key was already used on another device".

I don't know what else to say here. I recently got the latest version of Windows 10 and I haven't had Windows 10 activated for a while. After resetting for the first time which was a year ago, I found that I was unable to activate windows again on this device because it was "already used on another device". The thing is, my laptop, an Acer Nitro, came with windows, but suddenly my computer is saying that the product key was used on a completely different device. I don't want to purchase another copy of it because it's expensive! What are my options, other than to buy another copy?

:)

 

Product Key

Keys are not required for the upgrade process. Windows 10 has a built-in generic key which it uses to install - it acquires the underlying Win7/Win8 activation during the upgrade process and assigns your device ID as a valid Windows 10 activated device. Subsequent installs will thus activate using your device ID. You will not require a key - should you be prompted, select "skip". Activation is automatic thereafter.

See step 6 here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html

 

Window 10 installation and activation using Windows 7 Product key

Hello Sourabh,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

Starting with the November update, Windows 10 (Version 1511) can be activated using some Windows 7,
Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys. During the free upgrade or installation, you can use a valid Windows 7,
Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key to activate
Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher). The following types of product keys are supported:

• 
  Product keys included in the packaging or the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to your PC that came installed with Windows.
  
• 
  Product keys included in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows from an online retailer.
  
• 
  Product keys included in the box the Windows DVD came in.
  
• 
  Product keys you bought using Windows Anytime Upgrade or Get Genuine Windows.
  
• 
  If you bought a Windows 8.1 Pro Pack product key, you can use it to activate
  Windows 10 Pro.
  

After Windows 10 is activated, a digital entitlement will be given to your device based on the product key you entered. This means that you’ll no longer need to enter a product key to activate
Windows 10 on this device.

On some devices that came pre-installed with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, the product key is provisioned in the device firmware. On these devices the product key will be verified during setup, and then the appropriate edition of
Windows 10 will be installed.

Note:

• 
  Some Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1product keys can't be used to activate
  Windows 10, such as product keys for volume licensing, including Generic Volume Licensing Keys (GVLK) and Multiple Activation Keys (MAK), and Windows 7 Enterprise,
  Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
  

Keep us posted if you require further assistance.

 

Activate windows 10 after re-installing (I have lost my product key)

I own a Lenovo T430 laptop. In 2017, I installed Windows 10 using my original Windows 7 product key. Unfortunately, I cannot find that product key anymore. I need to re-install windows 10. Will it be automatically activated after the installation, if I skip the step of asking the product key during the installation?

In my opinion, I believe that my laptop will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers and this will not be a problem. Is that true?

If not, please suggest me a solution or a workaround.