Windows 10: OEM key linked to my Microsoft account does not allow me to upgrade legitimately

Hello, I have a question. In the past, I bought a Windows 10 Home directly from Microsoft. However, a few years later, I purchased a Windows 10 Pro OEM from an alternative website. I regret having bought the OEM illegally, and I would like to upgrade the Home key to Pro directly through Microsoft. Today, I am using Windows 10 Home, and when I go to the Microsoft Store to update the key to the Pro version, it shows the option to install as if I already had an original key, even though it is an OEM key that was previously used on an older computer of mine.

:)

 

Linking Windows 11 Product Key to my Microsoft account

Hi



Thanks for your reply.

Given your situation, let's address how to find your full Windows 11 product key and the steps to manually add it to your Microsoft account, even though the latter is not a standard procedure for linking your digital license to your Microsoft account.

Unfortunately, Windows itself doesn't provide a straightforward way to view your complete installed product key through its interface. However, you can use the script to retrieve your product key. One commonly used method is via the Windows Command Prompt with a simple script:

1. Using Command Prompt:
   
   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
     
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     
     
   • This command should display your product key. If it doesn't, it's possible that your Windows installation doesn't store the key in a retrievable format (this can happen with digital licenses upgraded from Windows 10).
     

It's important to clarify that there isn't a manual process for adding a Windows product key directly to your Microsoft account through account settings. The linking process is automatic upon activation with a Microsoft account signed in on an activated Windows 11 system. The purpose of linking is primarily for ease of reactivation in case of significant hardware changes, not for key management or storage.

Since your Windows states "Windows is activated" without specifying it's linked to your Microsoft account and the 'Troubleshoot' option isn't available, it suggests your system is already activated, but the link to your Microsoft account isn't established due to some anomaly.

Given these circumstances and the steps you've already taken, your best course of action is to:

1. Contact Microsoft Support: Since the standard procedures haven't resolved your issue, reaching out to Microsoft Support directly is advisable. They can provide specific assistance for activation issues and may offer a solution to ensure your digital license is properly linked to your Microsoft account. Be prepared to provide details about your Windows 11 upgrade and your Microsoft account.
   
2. Keep a Record: Once you retrieve your full product key using one of the methods above, keep a record of it in a secure location. Although the product key itself may not need to be manually added to your Microsoft account, having it on hand can be useful for support purposes or future reference.
   

If your system is already activated (which seems to be the case), your primary concern should be ensuring you can reactivate Windows if needed, such as after significant hardware changes. Microsoft Support can guide you on ensuring your activation status remains intact and troubleshoot any issues with linking to your Microsoft account.

 

Linking Windows 10 to my Microsoft Account Question

Product keys are still used by the way. Windows 8/8.1 and 10 OEM PC come with OEM embedded keys in the BIOS. And every PC has its own unique key. Before the AU those PC's would have shown as activated with a product code. If I use stock install media my laptops 8.0 Core OEM key is auto detected and 10 Home is installed. I originally did the free upgrade from 8.1 Pro. That laptop has a DL for Home and Pro now. I also installed 10 Education with one of my MSDN keys, it showed as activated with a Product code, no DL. Up until when I upgraded it to the AU. Now it shows as activated with a DL, I'm pretty sure that was not supposed to have happened. I can now clean install Education and activate with a DL. That was not possible prior to the AU. I always had to enter a key to activate. If you buy a Retail copy of Windows 10 it will come with a product key for activation. I've seen reports that those also switch to a DL. I haven't confirmed it myself. I have no way to test it. All my PC's already have Home and Pro and Education Digital Licenses. All enterprise installs either use MAK of VL keys, they will never have a DL. I'm not sure if that helps or confuses, but its just info I've discovered.

If you log into your Microsoft ID online, you will see a list of devices. The names will match the PC names your PC's have, and it will list the currently installed OS. I assume that is the one that is currently linked to your Microsoft ID. Just an educated guess. Settings > Accounts > Your info > Manage my Microsoft account should take you to the list of devices tied to your account (devices you have logged in on with your Microsoft ID)

 

Linking Windows 11 Product Key to my Microsoft account

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

Linking your Windows 11 product key to your Microsoft account can indeed provide a convenient way to reactivate Windows after hardware changes or a reinstallation without needing to keep track of the physical product key. Since you've attempted the standard method without success, let's explore some alternative steps and considerations that might help resolve your issue.

1. Ensure Windows is Activated

Before attempting to link your product key, make sure your copy of Windows 11 is activated.

• Open Settings.
  
• Navigate to System > Activation.
  
• Check the activation status. It should say "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."
  

If it's not activated, you'll need to resolve this first. Since you've upgraded from Windows 10, your digital license should have carried over automatically. If it hasn't, you might need to troubleshoot activation issues or contact Microsoft Support.

2. Check Your Microsoft Account

Since your user account is already logged with your Microsoft account, double-check:

• That you're using the correct Microsoft account. Sometimes, users have multiple accounts and might be logged into a different one than intended.
  
• That there are no issues with your Microsoft account itself. Try accessing other Microsoft services (like Outlook or OneDrive) to ensure everything is working as expected.
  

3. Use the Activation Troubleshooter

Windows includes an Activation Troubleshooter that can help resolve common activation problems:

• Go to Settings > System > Activation.
  
• Click on Troubleshoot. This option only appears if Windows detects some activation errors.
  
• Follow the prompts to let the troubleshooter attempt to fix any detected problems.
  

4. Manually Add a Windows Key to Your Microsoft Account

If the above steps didn't work and your Windows is activated, you might try adding your Windows key directly through your Microsoft account online, though this is less straightforward and typically not required. Normally, once your digital license is activated on your hardware, Microsoft's activation servers remember your device, and linking to a Microsoft account is an additional layer of convenience, not a necessity for activation.

5. Contact Microsoft Support

If you've gone through all these steps and still can't link your product key to your Microsoft account, it might be time to contact Microsoft Support directly. They can provide more detailed assistance and potentially resolve any underlying issues preventing the link. Be ready to explain the steps you've already taken and any error messages you've encountered.

The primary goal of linking your Windows activation to your Microsoft account is for convenience in reactivating Windows, especially after significant hardware changes. The activation system is designed to be flexible and user-friendly, so even if you encounter difficulties now, there should be a viable solution.

Additional Considerations

• If you're planning on making significant hardware changes soon, such as replacing the motherboard, it's wise to ensure your digital license is linked as this is the most common scenario where reactivation becomes necessary.
  
• Keep records of any product keys, purchase emails, or receipts from when you originally bought Windows 10, as these can sometimes aid in activation or support scenarios.
  

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.



Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist