Windows 10: Windows 10 key install on Lenovo?

Does anyone know how i can install my copy of Windows 10 Pro to a lenovo laptop? When i tired to install it i never got asked for a key so it always installs as windows 10 home since the laptop came with windows 8 home and i upgraded it to 10.

I think lenovo keeps the key in the bios.

:)

 

Windows 10 install on HDD with same key

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing
too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

As it pertains to the OEM license this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail
Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.


From the Windows 10 end user license agreement:

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also
transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came
on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.

 

Windows 10 install on HDD with same key

If you buy a "new" system it will need a new key, as OEM versions cannot be transferred to another system, as getting a new HD and install it in your system you can do that, many programs online where you can get software to clone your old HD into the
new HD.

 

Hello David, *Smile

Since you already have Windows 10 Home installed, you could use the method in the tutorial below to directly upgrade to Windows 10 Pro with your Pro product key.

Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro

 

I have the same issue with my laptop. I added a PID.txt file to my sources folder of my install media. Put your Pro key in it and it will install Pro instead of home. You won't be asked to enter a key either.
Replace the X's with your key, then save the file as PID.txt, then put it in the sources folder of your install media. Only use it on that one PC though if your key is a Retail key. This won't help you right now, but the next time you do a clean install it will save you having to upgrade from Home to Pro.

[PID]
Value=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

 

Thanks i will give that a try. *Smile