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Windows 10 or 11 product key?

Aidan C 5 Reputation points
2024-06-21T22:02:33.0766667+00:00

I originally downloaded windows 10 home and upgrade to windows 11 home without the product key. Do I need a windows 10 product key or 11.

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
11,198 questions
Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
8,994 questions
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  1. S.Sengupta 17,311 Reputation points MVP
    2024-06-22T00:41:41.3466667+00:00

    If you upgraded from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Home without a product key, and your Windows 10 installation was previously activated, you typically don't need to enter a new product key. This is known as a digital license. If your copy of Windows 10 was activated, Windows 11 should also be activated automatically once it is installed.

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  2. Docs 15,491 Reputation points
    2024-06-22T05:43:23.4266667+00:00

    Product keys were previously needed for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.

    Windows 10 and 11 have digital licenses.

    On occasion generic product keys may be useful.

    Showkey plus and Bellarc software use to be used to identify product keys.

    https://www.tenforums.com/software-apps/2577-showkeyplus.html

    https://www.belarc.com/products/belarc-advisor

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  4. Kapil Arya 7,946 Reputation points MVP
    2024-06-22T16:46:39.88+00:00

    In short, you carried out Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade, which was basically free upgrade. If your Windows 10 was activated, you don't need product key as you've got digital license.

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  5. Hania Lian 11,126 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-06-26T06:38:17.28+00:00

    Hello,

    If you upgraded from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Home without entering a product key, your system should have been activated based on the digital license tied to your hardware. Microsoft allows for a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for eligible devices, and during this process, the activation status is carried over digitally.

    This means that as long as your Windows 10 was properly licensed (even if you never had to manually enter a product key because it came pre-activated with your device), and your hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11, your upgraded Windows 11 installation should be activated without needing to input any additional product keys.

    To check your activation status in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

    1. Press Win + i to open Settings.
    2. Navigate to System > Activation.
    3. Here, you will see the activation status of your Windows 11.

    If your Windows 11 is showing as activated, then you do not need a separate Windows 10 or Windows 11 product key. Your system is activated based on the digital entitlement granted through the upgrade process.

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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