Windows 10: Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used?

Discus and support Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used? in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; I bought a windows 10 pro installation drive in box, though the box looked sealed it looks like someone may have already been inside. It has the drive... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by KurtFester, Dec 21, 2020.

  1. KURTFESTER
    KurtFester Win User

    Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used?


    I bought a windows 10 pro installation drive in box, though the box looked sealed it looks like someone may have already been inside. It has the drive inside and the card with the product key but it wont allow me to activate it. If someone has been in the box and used this key am I out of luck on installing this?

    :)
     
    KurtFester, Dec 21, 2020
    #1
  2. FEATHER
    Feather Win User

    Free upgrade still working using old keys


    Windows 10 free upgrade offer still works. I tested today. First I installed and activated Windows 8.1 (I used an old Windows 8 key that had never been used) and after this I upgrade to Windows 10.

    Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation - Windows 10 Forums

    Note that Windows 10 upgrade installation does not accept Windows 7/8.x product key, so you need to select the option I'm reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC (see screenshot below).


    Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used? [​IMG]


    You can also clean install Windows 10 and activate it directly with your unused Windows 7/8.x product key.

    Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums
     
    Feather, Dec 21, 2020
    #2
  3. SHER AMO
    Sher Amo Win User
    Product key

    Hi Megan,

    A product key is used when activating a software.
    To help us determine the appropriate troubleshooting steps that can resolve your concern, we'd like to ask the following questions:

    • What product are you trying to activate?
    • Are you looking for the product key to activate your Office application?
    • Which version of Office are you trying to activate? To check this, you can perform the steps posted on this
      link.
    • Are you looking for the product key to activate your Windows?

    We look forward to your response.
     
    Sher Amo, Dec 21, 2020
    #3
  4. CLIFF S
    Cliff S Win User

    Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used?

    Using the current device's product key on my another device.

    On old PC:
    Uninstall retail product key:


    1. Disable secure boot(if turned on in BIOS)
    2. Boot into Windows
    3. Enter slmgr /upk and wait for this to complete. This will uninstall the current product key from Windows and put it into an unlicensed state.
    4. Enter slmgr /cpky and wait for this to complete. This will remove the product key from the registry if it's still there.
    5. Restart
    6. Wait a little while and then use the retail key on the new machine.
    7. Set up secure boot(recommended)
    Your old machine should go back to home, or you might need to do a clean install, I'm not sure there.
     
    Cliff S, Dec 21, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Product key not working. If it was used by someone else can it no longer be used?

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