Activating Windows 10 Using Valid Licence Key from Windows 7 / Windows 8.1 is Coming

Activation of Windows 10 using valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 was one of the best moves from Microsoft, but it did brought a lot of confusion on what happens when somebody changed their hardware. While most of us still think its BIOS, Microsoft is changing the way starting with a new build of Windows 10 Insider Preview 10656.

Windows 10 Activation

Soon, you will be able to activate Windows 10 using the licence key you used to activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. It’s not about making it easy, it was already easy where you need to do to anything, it is more about clarity. Letting consumers use their Windows Key makes them feel comfortable and feel they have more control. Microsoft in its official statement says:

We have received a lot of feedback from Insiders on making it easier to activate Windows 10 on devices that take advantage of the free upgrade offer to genuine Windows by using existing Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product keys. If you install this build of the Windows 10 Insider Preview on a PC and it doesn’t automatically activate, you can enter the product key from Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 used to activate the prior Windows version on the same device to activate Windows 10 by going to Settings -> Update & security -> Activation and selecting Change Product Key. If you do a clean install of Windows 10 by booting off the media, you can also enter the product key from prior Windows versions on qualifying devices during setup.

So can you download the ISO and use this method right away? Short answer NO. The feature has been rolled out in Preview build, and after Microsoft receives feedback and great success ratio, they will be to create a public build to have this feature enabled. So if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 till now, you may want to wait for few more days to get this feature.

Apart from this, Microsoft has following improvements for Windows 10:

  • Skype messaging, calling and video is not integrated.
  • Tab preview for Microsoft Edge.
  • Favorites and Reading List are not synced.
  • Cortana now understands inked note.
  • Cortana to help you keep track of your leisure time, including movie and event reminders at least 2 hours prior to schedule.
  • Improved Context Menu in Start.

Via Microsoft Official Windows Blog

 

A die-hard fan of Windows, PC Gaming, and Xbox. He is a seasoned content writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a specialist in writing about Windows, software reviews, troubleshooting Windows, and automation.