Reinstalling Windows 10 now less annoying, allows for keyless future installations

[Kardo Kristal]

Content source

http://www.neowin.net/news/reinstalling-windows-10-now-less-annoying-allows-for-keyless-future-installations

In previous version of Windows, whenever you installed or reinstalled your copy of Windows, you would be required to enter your product key. It looks like Microsoft has changed the activation process for Windows 10 and it will now only require it the first time. After the initial installation or upgrade, the activation status for the device will be stored online, removing the need to enter a product key for future installations.

For obvious reasons, Microsoft will not divulge such information, but Ed Bott at ZDNet has a fairly detailed write up about the process and how he thinks Microsoft is storing activation statuses online. To loosely summarize the details, when a user installs Windows 7 or 8, Microsoft creates a unique ID for that particular device based on the product key and the hardware. If you reinstall Windows on the same device, it will be activated automatically.

For Windows 10, Microsoft introduces a program that checks your activation and stores it online. If everything checks out, Microsoft will generate a Windows 10 license that corresponds with the aforementioned unique ID along with the version of Windows you are running. Once this certificate is generated and your copy validated, Microsoft will allow you to install Windows 10 or reinstall it, without a product key. Windows 10 can allow this because the underlying verification software will understand that you are installing a valid copy of Window 10 on the same device.

Naturally, this is a step forward when it comes to preventing piracy, and it's also a bit more convenient for those that need to reinstall their copy of Windows in the future.

Windows 10 released on July 29th and is currently available as a free upgrade for those running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. If you have yet to update, be sure to reserve your copy as the promotion will only be available for the first year. If you have not had the time to check it out, I suggest taking a look at our Windows 10 review.

 

[Av Gurus]

but what happens when you change motherboard or buy new pc?

 

[Kardo Kristal]

but what happens when you change motherboard or buy new pc?

@Av Gurus Most probably your license will be "invalid". In that case you can contact Microsoft.

Regards,
Kardo

 

[Khairul]

@Av Gurus Most probably your license will be "invalid". In that case you can contact Microsoft.

Regards,
Kardo

Well how about if we are not the holder of Windows 10 license, let say, originally our PC have Original Windows 7 License key, which then we upgrade to windows 10. Then let say after 1 Year the MB are replaced, will microsoft still support us? (i know that you are not microsoft staff, just want to know your opinion)

 

[Rolo]

Microsoft has been quite clear about OEM and upgrade licences in that a new motherboard = new device = go buy Win10

 

[Kardo Kristal]

Well how about if we are not the holder of Windows 10 license, let say, originally our PC have Original Windows 7 License key, which then we upgrade to windows 10. Then let say after 1 Year the MB are replaced, will microsoft still support us? (i know that you are not microsoft staff, just want to know your opinion)

@Khairul If found the following information to your question:

A post on answers.microsoft.com suggests that only those who have upgraded from OEM versions of Windows 7 and 8 will need to buy a new Windows 10 license after replacing a computer's motherboard. Those upgrading from a retail version of Windows 7 or 8, the post says, would be able to transfer their copy of Windows 10 to a new machine or PC with a new motherboard.

You can find this information from here.

I hope it helps.

Regards,
Kardo

 

[jamescv7]

Strictly as possible, OEM are for one machine; meanwhile retail keys can accomodate even the Motherboard change just follow the limit it covers.

That's how MS consistent information gathered and its user testimony.

 

[Rolo]

A post on answers.microsoft.com suggests that only those who have upgraded from OEM versions of Windows 7 and 8 will need to buy a new Windows 10 license after replacing a computer's motherboard. Those upgrading from a retail version of Windows 7 or 8, the post says, would be able to transfer their copy of Windows 10 to a new machine or PC with a new motherboard.

...except that if you read the post, go to the last page, click the link to the forked thread, you can see where both Microsoft moderators don't know and don't answer the retail-upgraded-reinstall-after-hardware change question but the FAQ does state:

Q: What happens if I change the hardware configuration of my Windows 10 device?

A: If the hardware configuration of your Windows 10 device changes significantly (e.g. motherboard change) Windows may require re-activation on the device. This is the same experience as prior versions of Windows (e.g. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1).The free upgrade offer will not apply to activation of Windows 10 in such scenarios where hardware changes reset Activation.

In the end, your key will be blocked since your new installation ID will be different from the one the activation server has for the free upgrade and the forum moderators are silent on that specific issue (they respond with irrlevant information pertaining to different error codes).

You could go to the OEM EULA (which last I read says the same thing) but, of course, they can change the EULA so it really isn't a binding document from users' end.