Windows 10: Upgrading to retail from hacked

I recently brought a pc and didnt realise it had a hacked version not a retail and I am wanting to upgrade to retail..was wondering of the best way to do this assuming it is possible as I am afraid of spending the money and it not workong

:)

 

Has anyone moved the free windows 10 'Retail version' to another PC successfully?

I read on a questions and answers thread on Microsofts website that the free Windows 10 becomes the type it was upgraded from (e.g retail version).

Other threads seem to conclude it still acts like an OEM even in the case of the retail version binding only to the hardware it was first installed on.

Has anybody managed to reinstall Windows 10 on a new computer upgraded from a retail windows, or did it lock to the First hardware?

The EULA states "you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you" so it looks possible ...

Steps to try:

• Install windows 7/8.1 retail on machine A
  
• Upgrade to windows 10 for free.
  
• Uninstall windows completely from machine A
  
• Install the same windows 7/8 retail on machine B
  
• Upgrade to windows 10 again (here's hoping)
  

If someone has already done the first to steps feel free to try see if it works!

I personally don't want to try the first to steps just in case I can't transfer it after if anyone has done this or has some insight please let me know.

 

Upgrade editions, retail versions and transfers

Apologies if this has been asked before, I couldn't find any definite answers.

I have a few concerns regarding the free upgrade because I'll want to update all our home computers (5 total). 3 of them are running Windows 8.1 Professional Retail version, one is running Windows 7 Professional and one Windows 8.1 Home Edition OEM.

• Can someone confirm the upgrade edition assumptions below are correct?

• Windows 8.1 Professional Retail -> Windows 10 Professional Retail
• Windows 8.1 Home OEM -> Windows 10 Home OEM
• Windows 7 Professional Retail -> Windows 10 Professional Retail

2. Regarding the Windows 10 Professional Retail (once upgraded), are you able to transfer the OS to a different computer if needed like I'd be right now? Meaning you de-activate on current machine and then install / activate on second machine?

3. I also have a Surface 2 RT. Will there be an upgrade available for this too?

Thanks

 

Email Hacked

Hello Greg

thank you for your response and the great information you provided.

I use two step authentication for my email account and all important web sites. I also use the full version of Malwarebytes to protect my computer.

But I will do the scans you suggested AdwCleaner and Limewire.com and let you know the results.

I am worried though that the webcam installed on my laptop could have been hacked. I never use it and forgot about it, so never disabled it.

Any suggestions as to find if it was actually hacked?

thank you

mike