Windows 10: Win 10 purchase (not upgrade) and Key# activation, from USB

Son wants to purchase w10, but can get the CD version $30 cheaper than the USB. Can he use the media creation tool on another PC for installation , and then use the key# from his CD to boot and activate?

Does an Official retail w10 CD have a visible key# that would work with the media creation tool?

Can an ISO be created from the retail CD? (No DRM problems)

This is a new build, and I have only upgraded PC's.


What's the best approach?

:)

 

Product Key issues

You cannot do a clean install of Win 10 unless it has been activated previously by going through the upgrade process from a previous version of Windows, using the media creation tool to burn Win 10 to a DVD or USB should give you the option to upgrade as
well as clean install.

Now you'll either have to reinstall Win 8.1, activate it then upgrade to 10 or purchase a Win 10 key for your version (home or Pro).

 

I am unable to upgrade Win 10 Home to Pro - error 0xc004f050

I purchased a new computer that came with Win 10 Home ("Activation - Windows is activated with a digital license").

I also purchased Win 10 Pro on Amazon - usb stick + activation key.

The stick didn't work for me at all so I downloaded a copy of Win 10 using the Windows Media Creator tool.

I successfully installed Win 10 Home on my machine.

Edition: Windows 10 Home

Version: 1709

OS Build: 16299.248

When I try to upgrade my computer from Win 10 Home to Win 10 Pro entering the Win 10 Pro activation key (5x5 key), I get the following message:

"The product key you enter didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0xc004f050)"

There is a plenty of posts online about this and I I have researched the issue but didn't get anywhere as I am still stuck with the same issue.

So to summarize, I have a fresh and activated copy of Win 10 Home installed on my computer and I am unable to upgrade to Win 10 Pro with the key that I purchased.

Is there something that I am missing?

 

The CD version is OEM and locked to the first computer it is installed to.
The USB is retail and can be moved when Motherboard dies.

That's the $30 difference.

• Windows 10 OEM is a full version of the operating system not an upgrade. The OEM operating system is not supported by Microsoft. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product. Microsoft recommends all files and programs be backed-up prior to installation.
• Windows 10 OEM is intended for pre-installation on a new PC and cannot be transferred to another computer once installed. Product ships in a white envelope.
  

 

How much does the Electronic Software Download, (ISO), cost?
They email your key.
You could use PowerISO to create an iso file from the dvd.

 

He is fine with the OEM, just want's to get it installed, but has no optical drive on a new build

 

You can use the media creation tool. Code will work.

 

I think he is ordering a physical copy.

 

thx

 

It is illegal for him to purchase, install and use OEM Windows 10 on a personal computer that he intends to keep and use himself. Just so you are aware.