Windows 10: Windows key not accepted on upgrade install

I upgraded my computer last night, and was stuck at one point when the W10 installer kept asking for my Windows key. Was running W7x64 SP1, activated and all legal. I typed in my product key and it said something on the order of "Sorry, that key doesn't work". Tried a legitimate 8.1 key, didn't like that either. I ran Magical Jellybean Keyfinder, and it came up with the same key on my W7 retail box; I VERY carefully typed it in again and W10 still didn't like it. I stopped the install, and on a hunch, opened computer properties and selected "Change Product Key"-mind you, W7 was activated and running properly. I typed in the SAME key for W7, (the same one Magical Jellybean found and the one on the retail box), it activated again, and I was able to run the W10 upgrade flawlessly- don't ask me why; it must be that "Something Happened" *Wink Seriously, Microsoft, you need to do better than that- the internet is already crazy with "Something Happened" memes.

:)

 

Windows 10 Clean Install Product Key not accepted

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community.

• Did you perform a clean installation of the right edition?

This happens if you happen to install an incorrect edition other than what the device is eligible for. If you had Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 Home edition, you will have to install Windows 10 Home.

If it was Windows 7 or 8.1 higher than Home editions, then you will have to install Windows 10 Pro.

Refer to "What edition of Windows will I get as part of this free upgrade? " from the following:

Windows 10 FAQ

Do reply if you have more questions.

 

Windows 10 Clean Install Product Key not accepted

I upgraded from Win 8.1 to 10 by the update method. I did this because I read that I could not do a Clean Install without updating first.

I created a USB Stick with the installation files but the correct windows key is not accepted during the installation process.

I read that maybe an activation of the Win 8 product key has to be done first so it is an Win 10 key. Is that correct and how do I do that?

 

I think you tried to do a clean install the first time, and tried to do an upgrade the second time. That's why the second time worked.

You must do an upgrade install the first time, and it won't ask you for a key. If it asks you for a key, it's because you tried to do a clean install.

 

I'm afraid that you are mistaken; upgrade install both times. I wanted to keep my apps and settings. That is why I was perplexed that it accepted the same key AFTER re-installing the key. It should have flagged me to activate W7 prior to this.