Windows 10: Deregister Windows 10 on stolen PC?

Sounds like a plan.

 

I think the product key is built-in to the computer's motherboard.

 

Another MS Rep that has no idea what they are talking about.... I have a couple of computers that were originally activated with the same product key - activating the second computer has no affect on the previously activated computer.

 

This is so bizarre... so what's to stop someone from just sharing their install disc with 10 friends? It seems like Microsoft would have something in place to prevent that...?

 

You only get to use the same product key for the initial activation of Windows 10 a certain number of times in a certain period of time before it gets blocked from automatic online activation. Then you have to call Microsoft and tell them you are installing that copy of Windows on only one computer and you get the activation code in return. However, with Windows 10, once it is initially activated, the activation itself moves to a digital license stored on Microsoft Activation servers and the product key used for the initial activation becomes completely irrelevant. Subsequent installations of Windows 10 do not require any product key at all to install and activate, so long as the same version (IE: Home or Pro) is installed on the same computer. The digital license for the activation will be retrieved from Microsoft Activation servers based on the hardware ID of the computer itself, not a product key.

As of yet there is no way for the user to remove the digital license for that computer stored on Microsoft Activation servers, and apparently from Microsoft's answer they can't - or won't - remove the digital license from their servers either. You can even upgrade a computer from Home to Pro, and the digital license for Home for that computer will remain unaffected and subsequently you can then install either Home or Pro on the same computer and it will retrieve the digital license to activate.

 

Yup, I have several PC's here with DL's for Home, Pro, Pro for Workstation, Education, 10S, even Enterprise. The result of my testing different Editions. I prefer doing it on real hardware instead of a VM. No cheating and using a key on more than one PC. Not on purpose anyway. Nothing to stop me though as far as I know? Once I do a second clean install, with a skip key, there is no record of the original key used to get the DL on the PC. Microsoft isn't saying, but the general consensus is, its not stored on the activation server either. The only key a PC gets with a DL is a generic key for the Edition installed.

 

Actually if you use the store app to swap to Workstation Pro it replaces the generic key with a Volume:MAK key ending -9BV79. This is interesting as MS are using MAK keys for retail customers.





I've no idea what is stored on MS servers but if the size of the generic ticket is anything to go buy, quite a lot of information is sent. If the underlying key (or keys) was not saved I'd be surprised. They always ask you if you phone them (even though most likely they know and probably don't care anyway).

 

Really dunno what MS is up to... ?

See here ShowKeyPlus - Page 45 - Windows 10 Forums as well... I got DL via a MAK (VL is not supposed to be included in the upgrade) in Win 8 we needed a new MAK to upgrade.

 

What I should have said was on a clean install with a skip key the only key a PC gets with a DL is a generic key for the Edition installed. They may track them, I have no idea. I have seen posts where people have braged about using the same Windows 7 TechNet key over and over to activate multiple Windows 10 installs on different PCs..

I went from Pro to Pro for Workstations via change product key, and entered my MSDN Retail key. The key I ended up with ended in 2YV77. The same one listed here, Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

:EDIT I should have mentioned, I didn't have to go through the Store to upgrade from Pro to Pro for Workstations.

 

MAK keys aren't VL though right? Multi Activation but they don't use KMS? My Enterprise installs done with MAK keys all got Digital licences. Which I don't think should have happened? I posted it on Microsoft's private Yammer group but got no official reply. Only other MVP's saying WTH?

 

Windows 7 TechNet keys were, at one time, fully retail MAK keys that never expired and could be used on a "Reasonable" number of different systems ( "reasonable" was never actually defined but was generally taken to be approximately 10 ) *Smile

 

Yeah, TechNet was probably a poor example to use. Getting back to Enterprise installs getting a DL. If your a large corporation and have some PC's licenced that way, do you still have to pony up for a license from Microsoft? If say they audited you? Not looking for a real answer, just something to ponder. 10 Pro could be activated the same way. Opens a real can of worms IMHO.

 

All I can say is if you are a VL customer that is running 10000 seats and you occasionally go over by a few 10s of licences in use, you will not usually be even contacted by Microsoft, When I was dealing with VL the system administrator handled licensing in house, and was normally as strict as MS would be themselves, MS would be harsher on a company with 100 seats constantly going over but even then it was more likely to be a salesman that contacted the company with a special offer for extra seats *Wink

Of course this applied to both licences you needed for a VL seat, The Seat licence and the Server Client licence ( a server came with a number 10,20,30,50,100 user-client licences with the server licence, you needed to purchase one of these user-client licences for each user/device in using the server,plus there was the licence for the copy of Windows on each device)

 

I never had any exposure to that side of things. No real knowledge of how it works etc. My point is, or was, If that PC is licensed with a DL does it count in your total allotment of KMS licenses. 10 Pro wouldn't or shouldn't but 10 Enterprise? Anyway I should just let it go, its taking things off topic a bit. There likely isn't a real answer anyway. It's just one of those things that makes you go Hmm? *Think

 

A VL key is designed to be monitored and "policed" local on the company server (KMS in Large organisations , General business server running the KM software for SME customers), there should be no day to day contact with Microsoft for checking the Key allocation.
MAK keys are special multi-use keys for laptops and tablets Etc that are likely to be out of touch with a company Key Server for long periods these will be licensed as multiple standard retail licences so now would be held on microsoft's servers as a digital licence - How Microsoft will handle Multiple licence keys under the new system I have not a clue - But a default generic key may be what a user will see - who knows wat Microsoft's servers will retain, data wise