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How to install genuine windows

Anonymous
2022-04-24T04:44:12+00:00

I built my own pc, and my friend helped me move windows from my laptop over to my new pc. Most of the time it has the activate windows watermark, and it tells me to activate windows when I try to change settings. When I follow the instructions to activate it, it only shows an option to buy windows 10/11 pro. If I click on any other option it brings me to a page which is supposed to help, but I always end up back at the same page.

I also want to upgrade to windows 11, but I don't know if I should activate windows 10 first and then upgrade, or if I should just go right to 11 if it's possible.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DYARI BARHAM 33,366 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-04-24T05:36:56+00:00

    Hi PewPewUGonnaDie,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

    1-Actvating Windows on your new build PC depends on what type of license did you have on your laptop. If your laptop came preinstalled with an OEM license, the license was tied with your old motherboard and it would not be transferred. If it was a retail key try to reactivate it:

    Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key and enter the key that you have.

    If it is a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, it should activate the Windows automatically after signing in with your Microsoft account.

    If did not work, try to troubleshoot it by going to Start > Updated & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot.

    Get help with Windows activation errors:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get...

    2-If you don't have a digital license or a product key, you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license after installation finishes. Here's how:

    A-Select the Start button.

    B-Select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .

    C-Select Go to Store.

    D-This opens the Microsoft Store app where you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/act...

    3-If you want to upgrade your Windows to W11, first, activate Windows 10 since it is currently running on your computer, then upgrade it to Windows 11 (No need to buy a new license key. It will use the same W10 license):

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Please let me know if you need further assistance.

    Stay safe

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. JX313 7,045 Reputation points
    2022-04-24T05:04:38+00:00

    >>...move windows from my laptop over to my new pc.

    Was Windows activated from the time you first turned ON your laptop (i.e., is it an OEM license?)?

    1. If yes, you need to buy a separate license as OEM licenses (pre-installed licenses) cannot be transferred as they die off once you swap your motherboard or if it dies.
    2. If no, how did you buy the license for your laptop?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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