Does Win 10 upgrade need you to key in a product key?

chipp

Does the Windows 10 free upgrade from Win 7 require you to key in any sort of password or registration code? If so, is it obvious what is being asked for (eg at the start does it say "write down this number, you'll need it later)? I'm a bit concerned that my elderly father may have fallen for a scam.

OGR

No it uses a volume licensing key which I believe is based on the version of Windows 10 installed.

Everyone who does the upgrade basically gets the same key.

If you install fresh from the ISO you will be asked for the key from the COA on the base of the system.

Big_Graeme

Try reading the other Windows 10 threads for the answer.

grumpycrab

chipp wrote: »

Does the Windows 10 free upgrade from Win 7 require you to key in any sort of password or registration code?

Shouldn't do. How is he doing the upgrade? Using Windows Update, or with media (clean install - this will ask for a key the first time), or with media (upgrade install)?

This warning may be too late for him but I'd advise anybody, particularly those not very computer literate, to wait a couple of months.

EDIT: I hope its not this http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=68915018

Laurensalive

No you do not need a product key. After it is installed I did write down the windows 10 product key.

chipp

Grumpycrab your edit is exactly my concern. He won't admit it but I expect he's clicked an email link. Looks like I know what I'm doing this weekend!

enfield_freddy

and just to add:


the free upgrade does NOT have a serial number, Microsoft have changed there licencing procedure , no longer a key , now a "peek" at your computer , this "peek", licences "that" computer to be loaded with another copy of win 10 (of the same type)


however to get the ball rolling you need to upgrade a valid 7/8 , and that will then log onto m/softs server and say "hello and welcome" to your box.


if you want you can then download the disk from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10


this can then be burnt to dvd/pendrive or in deed saved as an ISO file to burn later.


if you wish to do a full clean install , use your pendrive/dvd and delete all partitions and create new ones , then install , you will be asked for a key No , you just skip those , when windows has loaded and you are on the web , the machine will talk to M/softs server , and it will reply , and change the machine to activated.


I have not been in a position to do a clean install (no update done) and attempt to enter a 7/8 key , I think it would need a £99 win 10 retail key