Can I use my old 64-bit W7 HPE SP1 retail key on a clean installed 64-bit W10 on a brand new drive?

Question

Or does it really require an upgrade over the installed 64-bit W7 HPE SP1? I would like to start clean on a new drive without going through extra tedious steps.

Thank you for reading and hopefully answering soon. :)

Answer 1

If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you should have a digital license instead of a product key. During reinstallation, if you’re asked to enter a product key, you can skip this step. Windows 10 will automatically activate online after the installation is complete.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-10-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227

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Answer 2

The free upgrade offer is technically over, if your device ever upgrade to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7, it has a digital license which can activate Windows 10 online after reinstall.
Besides, I hear that users can Still Get Windows 10 activation for Free With a Windows 7 Key. When you’re asked to enter a key, enter the Windows 7 key. The installer will accept this key and the installation process will continue normally.

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Answer 3

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

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