Question to get my Windows product key

j20120307 · ‎03-05-2020

Hi,

I bought this desktop 7 years ago. There is some problem and I can't start the desktop. Hence I migrated my desktop to new desktop. I would love my Windows product key to activate the new desktop.

Best

Grzwacz · ‎03-06-2020

Greetings,

Welcome to the forum.

I am not a HP employee.

Your new PC probably ships with a Windows 10 product key.

Your old PC shipped with a Windows 8.1 Home or Pro product key.

The old Windows 8.1 product key will probably not work with your new PC.

Regards

wb2001 · ‎03-06-2020

@j20120307,

Your explanation is short on detail, and really confusing, IMHO. Read here.

Both WIN 8/8.1/10 embed their individual Product Key into the BIOS or UEFI NRAM. So, the machine knows it's product key. Installing a new drive is simple, obtain a free .iso of the OS from Microsoft, and install. Skip the Product Key prompt, and have an internet connection. It will auto activate. I do prefer an ethernet connect during the whole process.

If the unit had WIN 7/8/8.1 the upgrade to WIN 10 is free (again).

PS<> you said you had a non-functional desktop, but you migrated it to another machine? Maybe your use of terminology surpassed my ability to comprehend your comment? 🤔

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HP Envy 8 5010 Tablet
(2) HP DV7t i7 3160QM 2.3Ghz 8GB
Printer -- HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Legal
Custom Asus Z97D, I7-4790k, 16GB RAM, WIN10 Pro 64bit, ZOTAC GTX1080 AMP Extreme 3 fan 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD, Asus PB287 4k monitor, Rosewill Blackhawk case and 750W OCZ PSU.

j20120307 · ‎03-06-2020

Sorry for the misunderstanding. To clarify,

The old desktop was upgraded to win 10. I built up a new desktop with all the hardware bought elsewhere. I've contacted Microsoft support that I can get the Windows product key from my previous desktop. Is there a way I can get this code so that I can activate the new desktop, bearing the fact that I can't start the old desktop now?

wb2001 · ‎03-07-2020

@Grzwacz was very clear to you, so I thought.

The Product Key can not be transferred. You will have to purchase a Win 10.

I am providing you a link to download WIN 10 Pro. I have used this company.

This system is feedback driven thru Solution and Kudo flags. It's the only means of knowing if you have been served. Please click Accept as Solution, if your problem is solved. To say THANK YOU, press the "thumbs up symbol" to render a KUDO. You can render both Solution and KUDO..

HP Envy 8 5010 Tablet
(2) HP DV7t i7 3160QM 2.3Ghz 8GB
Printer -- HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Legal
Custom Asus Z97D, I7-4790k, 16GB RAM, WIN10 Pro 64bit, ZOTAC GTX1080 AMP Extreme 3 fan 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD, Asus PB287 4k monitor, Rosewill Blackhawk case and 750W OCZ PSU.

Grzwacz · ‎03-07-2020

Hi,

The bottom line is: you cannot transfer Windows OEM product keys. OEM product keys are issued by system integrator's such as HP or Dell.

The Windows OEM product key is tied to one PC.

Retail Window's product keys can be transferred to a new MB or PC if you deactivate the product key tied to the old PC prior to installing Windows on the new PC.

You may have to contact Microsoft to activate a retail version of Windows on the new PC.

I just did this with a retail Windows 10 product key. I had to contact Microsoft to activate Windows 10 after installing Windows 10 on a different MB.

Regards