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Upgrade Windows 8.1 desktop to Windows 10

Anonymous
2024-04-17T15:08:07+00:00

I have a ZT Systems i7 desktop running Windows 8.1 that performs beautifully - better than my i7 Windows 10 Dell laptop. However, I need to switch it to Windows 10. I missed the free upgrade opportunity, so I guess I need to buy a Windows 10 Key. I downloaded the ISO from Microsoft, but I do not see where I can buy a Key there and I'm not finding a reputable source to buy Windows 10 that would come with a key. The PC is not compatible with Windows 11, or I would go that route.

I cloned the SSD so I would have two copies. I did attempt to run the upgrade on the Microsoft website, and the PC bricked. I guess I would still need a key even if upgrade went well.

My current situation is I have Windows 10 downloaded on USB Flash and it is ready to install. However, to do that, I will need to acquire a Windows 10 key. A friend gave me his OEM Key from a laptop he no longer uses, but it appears that will not work for my install. I would really appreciate some advice as to how to move this project forward.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards,

Paul

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T17:24:46+00:00

    1

    It is best not to use another device to get the new Windows 10 licence, because if you use the built option on the activation page, that licence will get associated to the device you are using, not the one you want to upgrade to Windows 10 on.

    2

    When you install Windows 10 using a bootable USB, you just select 'Skip this Step' so you can complete the Windows installation without a product key, you can then later add the product key from inside Windows to activate it.

    3

    Microsoftkeys.net is selling very cheap licences, they are most likely volume licences, not consumer licences, you should avoid that type of licence.

    The licences on mychoicesoftware.com also seem to be too cheap to be consumer licences.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T17:15:21+00:00

    I do have a Dell laptop that is running Windows 10. Can I use that to get a new key for the Desktop?

    On the Desktop installation process, if I select "skip this step" what should happen next? Since I have to boot from the USB, I don't have access to a browser that I can see, I just would like to know what to expect next if I select "skip this step".

    Do you happen to know if either Microsoftkeys.net or mychoicesoftware.com would be a reputable source for a key?

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T16:46:18+00:00

    I went to settings and it only shows "update and restore" - it does not show update and security as an option. I reviewed all the tabs in settings and I cannot find any showing a link to Microsoft Store. Please note, I can only run Windows 8.1. I cannot install Windows 10 on this desktop without a key.

    I do have a laptop running Windows 10. Would it be an option to use that to try to access Microsoft Store? Since I have Windows 10 downloaded on Flash USB, all I really need is a key that will allow me to install.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T16:21:10+00:00

    Thank you VERY much Dave.

    My installation process stalled at the point where I was asked to enter the key.

    Since I installed booting from the USB Flash with the Windows 10 ISO file, I'm not sure how I could go to store or if there was a link shown to do so. Would a Windows 11 key work for Windows 10?

    I've looked at the typical reputable retail outlets (Best Buy, Microcenter, etc.) and they no longer sell Windows 10. I'm guessing I could find it on Amazon, but I worry about securing a reputable copy there. I saw TechRapidly.com offers free keys, but that scares me. When searching using the following link, I found many offers, but none from brand names I recognize. A couple that look legit are:

    Microsoftkeys.net and mychoicesoftware.com

    This is the search link I used: https://www.google.com/search?q=windows+10+home&oq=windows+10+home&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l6j69i60.15399j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1

    I would very much appreciate any inputs as to how to proceed.

    Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

    Regards,

    Paul

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T15:45:40+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1

    An OEM key from another device will not work, that licence is tied to the motherboard on the other device.

    2

    You will need to purchase a Windows 10 licence, because you have just missed the opportunity for the free upgrade,, on the 20th of September, Microsoft finally closed the loophole that allowed a Windows 7 or 8 product key to activate Windows 10 or 11.

    With regards to purchasing a Windows 10 key, Microsoft no longer sell Windows 10 keys online, but after you install Windows 10, if you click the 'Go to the Store' button on the activation page in the Settings App, you may be able purchase a key there for Windows 10/11.

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