Windows 10: What is Correct License Key when I Used Free UIpgrade from 8.0 to 10?

Some time ago I took advantage of the free upgrade from Win 8 to Win 10. Now I am replacing my Hard Drives and will need to re-install Win 10. What is the correct key I should use for this install? Is it my old Win 8 key?

:)

 

Windows 10 upgraded from 8.1 today, wont activate.

I have the same problem. The install rejects my Windows 8.1 activation key. In fact, when I try to modify 8.1 features, that too does not accept my activation key. I've double checked my key with my order receipt and it is correct.

As I recall, 8.1 was a free upgrade from 8.0, but the upgrade must have done something to the 8.0 key, as I don't think 8.1 issued a separate key.

 

Path to upgrade from Vista to Windows 10 (with 8.0 license)

Hi,

I'm wondering what's the better path to upgrade my Vista (home premium) to Windows 10 Pro with a clean install for free. (since I own a 8.0 upgrade license)

I have:

• a PC with Vista home premium x86 OEM and its license key.
  
• The license key to upgrade from Vista to 8.0 Pro bought 30$ through UpgradeAssistant when 8.0 has been released (but never installed/activated it)
• A brand new SSD to replace the only drive in the laptop and do a clean install.
• ISOs files for Windows 8.0 Pro and 10 Pro multi arch and sufficient and knowledge to create usb install key. (not sure my 8.0 iso is valid because I got it from upgrade assistant while upgrading 8.0 preview x64 to 8.0 Pro x64 on an other PC so I think the
  iso is x64 only. I'm now targeting a x86 laptop)
• A low bandwidth ISP connection at home, high at work (this is why I like iso so much..) Downloading is still possible at home. (about 3hours per iso)

I'm currently thinking of:

• Replace current HDD(Vista) for SSD(uninitialized) and install Windows 8.0 Pro with upgrade license key.
• One of:
  
  a) Insert Windows 10 USB media and (try to) start an upgrade 8.0 to 10 (can it be clean install ?)
  
  b) Update 8.0 to 8.1 (windows store) then to 8.1-update 1 (offline win update) + August update and finally run Win10 upgrade assistant to register the PC hardware id to Microsoft servers. (so no license will be prompted by Win10)
  
• If not already clean (a) or if (b) then format and install Windows 10.

Is there something I missed before starting my quest to windows 10?

Any official download for 8.0 x86 iso available? (if not I will try to find the cleanest I can since I will format it in the process)

Thanks.

 

There will be a smaller link "I don't have a product key". Click on that.

 

You do not need a key as your licence is tied to your mobo id which was registered with MS when you upgraded. Just skip key entry.