Windows 10: CANT find digital license key!!!! why would MS make this so damn hard?!

I had a digital license with windows but i wanted to try the workstation build of Windows and now it won't activate. I cannot downgrade because i don't know the key and they key is in MS Store downloads which does not exist.

:)

 

Digital license key

What do you mean by digital license "key"? I've heard of a digital license for Windows 10, and I've heard of a Product Key for Windows 10, but I've never heard of a digital license key.

 

transfer digital licenses between computers

Hi Mark -

What is the Status and Edition listed at Settings > Update & Security > Activation, at the top? If it's a Digital License then you can move it without needing the Product Key by first making sure it's linked to your MS Account by signing in with that account,
then on the new hardware sign in with the same MS account and run the Activation Troubleshooter to move the license to it.

Once a Digital License is issued the key is no longer needed except in rare circumstances.

 

Windows won't activate a digital license but will with a product key?

Thank you for the insight

That's interesting. So you are suggesting after I make my next clone, I enter a generic product key in windows activation and THEN follow up with purchasing (or transferring) a digital license? Do I understand you correctly? If so, I'll try that on my next build.

It is possible. My only experience seeing it not cleared up in an hour (besides, of course, having the wrong time on my machine or a truly faulty connection) was many years ago. When I contacted Microsoft, they were able to diagnose that my license wasn't valid but couldn't tell me why. If memory serves me correctly, I attempted to move a license from a windows ten machine that initially was an upgrade from windows seven. I discovered (on this forum) that a windows ten license that was upgraded from windows seven license was not eligible to be transferred to a new machine. And I was not able to purchase a digital license. I needed a product key.

I couldn't find reputable dealers that are still selling retail windows 10 licenses (for example, Best Buy only lists the Spanish version of windows home on their website). But since I just learned that a windows 11 license can be used my concern has been allayed.