Is a Windows 7 key already used for Windows 10 still valid?
Hello. As you know, Microsoft has stopped allowing Windows 7 product keys to activate Windows 10 or 11. I activated Windows 10 with my key some time ago, and it's currently in use. When I tried to activate my new computer with it, it didn't work. My question is, is this because the key is currently being used for a different device (it's a retail version) or is this actually because the key can no longer be used for activation at all? I haven't found a clear answer to this online.
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The key is only valid for one device and since it is already used, no other computer can be activated. In addition, the end of the free upgrade and the key is basically unnecessary. Most relevant if you want to activate Windows 7 on a device or in a VM.
The simplest and fastest way to bind the license as digital permission to your Microsoft account now (if not yet so) and then you will log back to your MS account when you reinstall. In a new computer, only reactivation would have to be carried out.
Go to your device where Windows was installed and activated “Settings → Updates and Security → Activation.” If there is “ Windows is linked to a digital license linked to your Microsoft account ”, then the license is already connected. If not, register under “ Add an account ” to your Microsoft account to link the license. That's all it is.
If you are online account.microsoft.com with your account, you can see “ Services and subscriptions ” view all linked products. Under Windows and Office licenses as well as subscriptions as for Xbox Game Pass. By linking, you will also save the input of a product key in the future.
Hi.
you can test if the key still works by inserting it on the device that was previously activated. If it works there, it's because it was currently assigned to another device. In this case, the current device that uses this key should be disabled so that you can use it on your new device.
It is important to note that a single product key is valid only for one device at the same time. When assigned to another, it blocks the use on a new device.
In addition, you can consider using the Microsoft Support tool for key management. This can help you determine if the key is still valid and can be used on your new device.
You can also contact Microsoft Support directly to get clarity about whether the key is actually no longer valid or whether it is just an assignment problem.
Good luck!