Windows 10: Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys

Discus and support Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; My current desktop PC started life with a Windows 8 Pro retail key and now has the latest version of Windows 10 activated by a digital key linked to my... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by Steve C, Dec 31, 2020.

  1. STEVE C
    Steve C Win User

    Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys


    My current desktop PC started life with a Windows 8 Pro retail key and now has the latest version of Windows 10 activated by a digital key linked to my MS account.

    I want to change the motherboard, CPU, memory & system drive with a clean install so I guess Windows 10 will not automatically activate. What are the essential steps to deactivate the key currently in use and ensure it activates using the new hardware?

    :)
     
    Steve C, Dec 31, 2020
    #1
  2. STEVE C
    Steve C Win User

    Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys

    My current desktop PC started life with a Windows 8 Pro retail key and now has the latest version of Windows 10 activated by a digital key linked to my MS account.

    I want to change the motherboard, CPU, memory & system drive with a clean install so I guess Windows 10 will not automatically activate. What are the essential steps to deactivate the key currently in use and ensure it activates using the new hardware?
     
    Steve C, Dec 31, 2020
    #2
  3. ZENTSANG
    ZenTsang Win User
    Transfer Win10 HOME Key (retail) to another PC after upgrading to PRO (retail)

    As the subject line states...

    I have 2 PCs. One with a HOME (retail) key and one with no key but is an older PC ... let say it currently has no OS. I want to upgrade this newer PC from HOME (retail) to PRO (retail). I have already retrieved the HOME key and saved into a text file. From
    my understanding, I go into System -> Change key and can put in the new PRO (retail) key to upgrade from HOME to PRO.

    Once I do that... can I now use the HOME (retail) key on the older PC? Again... I keep stressing (retail) in this email because I fully understand that OEM keys / upgrades are retained for the PC they came installed on and are not transferable. However,
    both my HOME and PRO version are retail keys.

    If the answer is YES ... please don't just say YES. Please provide the steps necessary to transfer the HOME key so I don't lose it accidentally.

    Thanks.
     
    ZenTsang, Dec 31, 2020
    #3
  4. ANDRE DA COSTA
    Andre Da Costa Win User

    Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys

    Andre Da Costa, Dec 31, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Upgrading a PC and Retail Keys

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