2015-10-13

Windows 10 Activation

Quick Notes on Windows 10 Activation



Check the Status of your Activation:

From File Explorer, other-mouse-click "This PC" (formerly My Computer), select "Properties".  Note the Windows Activation status near the bottom of the panel.  Look for "Windows is Activated".

If Windows is not activated, and assuming you installed the correct upgrade version, Home vs Professional, 64-bit vs 32-bit (gosh no!), wait a few days.  By most reports, the machine will re-activate itself.  Agreed there is not much solace in having to wait before you install all of your apps and data.

If prompted for a Product Activation Key (Product Key) during the install, always click Skip/do later.  Neither a Windows 7, 8 or 10 product key will work in this installation box.

Doing a Clean Install

Unless you have purchased a copy of Windows 10, and you have a Windows 10 Product Key, you cannot wipe the disk and do a fresh/clean install without first running an in-place upgrade.  In other words, to get the free upgrade, you first must allow Windows 10 to upgrade from your Windows 7 or 8 machine to 10.  After that, you can download the Windows 10 Media Creation tool and do a fresh install, wiping the disk and starting over.  Just be sure the in place upgrade fully activates before doing the second install.  In all cases, skip any Product License key screens.

Still have Activation Problems?

Engage the licensing utility with Start, Run "slui.exe 4"  (no quotes) and follow the prompts.

Want to talk to a human for Activation Problems?  Search Microsoft.com for "Microsoft Volume Licensing Activation Centers Worldwide telephone numbers".  You will need your Windows 7/8 Product Key.

http://microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers.aspx

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