Windows 10: Windows 10 activated using generic key

Hey guys!

I have updated my Windows 8.1 system to Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool's upgrade option. The upgrade went smoothly, Windows was activated yet when I checked my key it is the generic key given out to Microsoft Insiders.

I didn't sign up for the Insider program so I'm a little curious. Is my generic key temporary or will it stay as is pemanently?

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before



:)

 

Support

But trying to reinstall Win 10, NONE of the products codes work.

That's because all the free Windows 10 copies use the same generic product key for Home and another generic key for Pro. The generic keys cannot be used to install Windows. They are just dummies.

When you reinstall don't enter anything when you see a place to enter a product key. Just SKIP or NEXT. During the first upgrade Windows 10 inserts the generic key for you. You cannot enter this yourself. This will register the device (if an OS qualified
to be upgraded to 10 is running).

Beginning with Windows 10 Microsoft is using device activation instead of software activation. No product key is required once Windows 10 has been activated on a device, even if everything is removed and Windows 10 is reinstalled from scratch.
Only the first upgrade is requried to register the machine as a Registered Windows 10 Device.

 

No dual-boot at all?!

Seems the Windows 10 version is now activated using the generic install key somehow.

Lovely, you try and do the right thing, they screw you anyway.

P.S. It says "Windows 10 on this device is activated using a digital entitlement." As well as "Windows is activated."

And no, there's no OEM-BIOS key present.

 

Hello Darcorn, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

When you upgrade to the free 10 from an activated Windows 7/8.1 PC, you do not get a product key. The free Windows 10 activation is registered on MS activation servers for your PC instead. That's why you would "skip" entering a key during a clean install if done after you already upgraded to register the activation.

 

Thanks Brink! That means I messed up royally because when Windows Setup asked me for a key during a clean install (my upgrade was activated before) I used the generic key.........Oh well. I think I'll have to do the whole thing again...........

 

Good thing my OS is still fresh then! Will update this topic as needed

 

Not necessarily. In an elevated command prompt (run command prompt "as administrator") type slmgr /xpr

That will tell you your license expiration date. If it is permanently activated, you have no problems.

 

Thanks Navy! I'll do that and report back!

Yep! Slmgr says it's permanently activated. That saved me a lot of work! *Smile))

 

If you run the Windows Product Finder (productkey.vbs) it returns a key which I believe is unique to that build.

 

Actually I've used ProduKey but thanks for the suggestion *Smile