Run Windows 10 on a virtual machine using its key.
Run Windows 10 on a virtual machine using its key.
Hello, I'm using a PC with Windows 10 that was fully activated. After reinstalling it on Proxmox, the Windows installation remains incomplete. I need to run Windows in a VM but it won't activate. I don’t have a key and was using BIOS activation. I accidentally connected the preinstalled Windows to a Microsoft account for backup, but didn’t update it first. The outdated version hasn’t saved the activation info yet. I have a disk image of the Windows partition. Would anyone know a quicker way? Is there a method to pull the necessary files from the backup and restore everything without rebuilding from scratch? Thanks.
Your Windows license from the original manufacturer isn’t transferable to another machine, since the system would treat it as a completely different setup. A quicker option is to purchase a new license or simply disregard the watermark.
A VM is considered a distinct machine. OEM licenses are meant for one-time use only and are generally not transferable. If you plan to use Windows exclusively within a VM, consider reaching out to Microsoft support to check if they can provide a fresh license (be sure not to disclose your plan to run in a VM).
You can move the license by saving it to your Microsoft account and choosing it on the new device. The process involves backing up the license and selecting it, which requires the license to be linked to your MS account. This is what I’m facing—my setup isn’t working while yours is. Thanks.