Windows 10: How Do I Activate Windows With My Previous Key?

Hello,I'm having an issue with activating my Windows install. I bought a Windows 8.1 key back in 2015 which I was able to upgrade to Windows 10 when it came out. I have since installed a new hard drive and motherboard in this computer. I want to activate my Windows, I didn't do so at the time I upgraded these components, I figure it went wrong when I put the new hard disk in, I don't really recall. I cannot find my Windows 10 key anywhere on my account.I have an email that gives me an 8.1 key, if I enter that it says that it is for the wrong version. I had home installed originally. I went to

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activate windows 7 oem key

There is no difference between the OEM disc and the Retail disc with Windows 7. A retail disc will accept a OEM or Retail key, and vise versa.

If the OEM Key wasn't going to work with the disc you have, it would have stopped you during the install when it first asked you for the key, not during activation.

What is likely the problem is that, since the OEM version has already been activated once, it is failing activation again. Activate it over the phone using the option given to you on the failed activation screen, and you shouldn't have a problem activating it.

 

Windows 10 not getting activated.

Hi Johncy,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I can imagine the inconvenience you have experienced. I will definitely help you with this.

To guide you in right direction we want to know:

• Have you activated your Previous version of Windows?

Windows is not activated as your previous version of Windows, your device was not activated prior to upgrade to Windows 10

We suggest you to follow the below steps and check:

• Go to Start.
• Select Settings .
• Go to Update & security.
• Go Activation .
• Click Change product key.
• Enter your Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7 and click Next
  to complete activation.

If the issue still persist get back to us.

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.

 

Windows 8.1 pro + WMC key activation

This worked for me last time with a Win 8 key.

Install Windows 8.1 and enter KMS key during setup. Once in windows change product key to my Windows 8 key. Go to add features and enter my WMC add-on key. Drink a beer to a job well done.