Windows 10: Why is a free download of Windows end up NOT free to activate?

I've upgraded my ASUS K6OIJ laptop with a new 512gb SSD, and new 8gb 2x4gb memory. In doing so I needed to download Windows 10 as the original Windows 7 disappeared when the SSD was installed. Everything went fine until..Not everything in W-10 was working right, and then, in very faint letters in the bottom right of the screen above the task bar, was the notice 'Windows 10 not activated. Active now in settings'. Okay, I'll do that. Apparently the 'free' download of W-10 is not free, one must cough up $140 to activate the system. I understand the processing and licensing and other 'fees', but

:)

 

DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 10 NOW - Upgrade and ISO direct from microsoft

Click to expand... Yeah I went to that site, why do I need to buy a key?
I won't buy a key, stupid.

I'll revert back to windows 7 then.

When I still was on windows 7, about a year ago I added 4GB extra ram which is a total of 8GB now,
is that causing the problem?

 

DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 10 NOW - Upgrade and ISO direct from microsoft

this search might help you https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sou...o+to+get+it+activated+windows+10+blocked+keys

From Why can't I activate Windows? - Microsoft Support

If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free and ended up in a non-activated state, try following these steps:

• Go to Start
  
  , then select Settings > Update & security > Activation.
• Select Go to Store, and check to see if a valid license is available for your device. If a license isn't available, you'll need to buy Windows from the Store.
  
  Note
  • This only applies if you haven't made changes to the hardware for your device.

or you could hack it with a crack but please note this is always risky and you don't know what's in the hack

 

Legally download Windows 7 and 8

I have a product key that is genuine, is this a retail key? I got it free from my university's dreamspark. If so, I could do a clean install with an upgrade disc (provided at microsoft's site) without any extra steps such as registry editing, etc etc.. ?