How to activate Windows 10 (no upgrade)?

Discussion in 'Windows 10' started by Airbus, Jul 30, 2015.

  1. Aleko

    Aleko MDL Novice

    Aug 1, 2009
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    Where can I find the retail key for W10 Pro? I can only find the kms keys...
     
  2. EFA11

    EFA11 Avatar Guru

    Oct 7, 2010
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    You do realize the answers you will get for that question?

    Microsoft Store?
    Buy it?
    etc.etc.

    but to answer your question..

    Buy it at Microsoft Store?:biggrin:
     
  3. Airbus

    Airbus MDL Member

    May 10, 2010
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    How many times can I do a fresh reinstall on the same machine after I did the upgrade?
     
  4. ReXX

    ReXX MDL Novice

    Oct 22, 2009
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    As many tims you wish.
    As long the hardware remains the same, or at least the motherboard.
     
  5. phrunt

    phrunt MDL Addicted

    May 1, 2007
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    it seems even changing the hard drive deactivates you with a clean install, maybe once microsoft staff know what to do they'll reactive copies in this situation but it doesnt seem so at the moment
     
  6. odiebugs1

    odiebugs1 MDL Expert

    Jul 30, 2015
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    I know that using loader worked, but when doing a clean and changing to UEFI boot, caused win act error. So had to add enterp key and run kms.
     
  7. Don

    Don MDL Expert

    Jul 29, 2009
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    i tried to do an automated phone activation today and even that came back saying it couldn't find my license and transferred me to a human who i thought was trying to blow me off by saying there were issues and check back in 48 hours..well i left the pc on and went off to do other things and when i came back two hours later it was activated, no reboot no nothing so it must keep making periodic checks for some period of time before it gives up.
     
  8. Hlx

    Hlx MDL Junior Member

    May 15, 2014
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    #28 Hlx, Jul 30, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2015
    Sorry for (off-topic) But I have to ask. Does any of you have still option to join Insider Program even tho Windows 10 is activated?
     
  9. lorenzo

    lorenzo MDL Novice

    Aug 11, 2009
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    yes, I have Windows 10 Home activated (upgrade form original 8.1) and I can join Insider! :)
     
  10. kursum

    kursum MDL Novice

    Aug 25, 2012
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    #30 kursum, Jul 31, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2015
    join the insider program, reboot, and you windows 10 will be registered. as long as you are in the insider program, windows 10 will be activated.
     
  11. crossup

    crossup MDL Member

    Jun 20, 2015
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    After that if you quit insider programme it will still be activated. At least for me.
     
  12. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

    Aug 15, 2012
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    Like Gabe said when upgraded from legit build to Insider Preview, you can opt out. But if freshly installed the Preview, you'll need to the upgrade after opting out, since it will "eventually expire".
     
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  13. Thrall

    Thrall MDL Novice

    Jan 29, 2012
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    Sounds like what they did with the old 'POD' game.
     
  14. Ebenz

    Ebenz MDL Novice

    Jun 2, 2015
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    It doesn't work for me. I'm insider and when I installed windows 10 rtm they said that key is bloked by microsoft. I'm opt-in in settings. :(
     
  15. kaos420

    kaos420 MDL Senior Member

    Jul 30, 2009
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    im not to sure your correct here. i have my early copy installed and am set to insider on my desktop. my key shows 3V66T . i just updated my inlaws machine the official method. kept it to a local account. not insider at all. but options to join are still there as well as uninstall preview build under updates. BUT more importantly there key is exact same as my machines ending in the 3V66T. so i cant see how your statement is correct. 1 in program 1 out both same key.
     
  16. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    Gabe stated this in a blog and even FaiKee used a screenshot of it for his ""PROOF"" :cool2:.
     
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  17. hedayat7

    hedayat7 MDL Novice

    Oct 18, 2013
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    thanks for the tips
     
  18. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

    Aug 15, 2012
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  19. kaos420

    kaos420 MDL Senior Member

    Jul 30, 2009
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    #40 kaos420, Jul 31, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2015
    mine shows Untitled.png and i i said i updated mine off the 10240. did my desktop tablet and laptop all had legit bought keys of 8.1. i did my parents from 7 . and inlaws legit 7 key. we all show insider options os is identical. the ones time bombed might have been a earlier version. all mine show same keys. as well as message. some by the leak install. and some waiting and downloading from ms on the 29th..