F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Upgrade your refurb PCs with Windows 11 Home.

Upgrade your refurb PCs with Windows 11 Home.

Upgrade your refurb PCs with Windows 11 Home.

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xCattyx
Member
196
03-24-2021, 04:45 PM
#1
Earlier, when I bought a used laptop from an authorized Microsoft refurbisher, it came with two licenses: one) a Windows 10 Home key printed on a sticker attached to the bottom of the machine, and another) a Windows 10 Pro OEM key tied to the hardware. After reinstalling Windows using a USB from the media creation tool, the Pro edition would install automatically. I kept the Home key since it was linked to the physical sticker. Now I have another used laptop from the same refurbisher, but this time Windows 11 is installed instead of Windows 10. It also came with two licenses: a digital Windows 11 license without a sticker and a Windows 10 Pro OEM key. I’m worried that reinstalling Windows 11 might automatically add the Pro edition and remove the Home key because it isn’t tied to hardware, and a fresh install would erase it. Can I still obtain the product key for the Home digital version? Edited April 4, 2024 by ahuckphin added images + reworded question
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xCattyx
03-24-2021, 04:45 PM #1

Earlier, when I bought a used laptop from an authorized Microsoft refurbisher, it came with two licenses: one) a Windows 10 Home key printed on a sticker attached to the bottom of the machine, and another) a Windows 10 Pro OEM key tied to the hardware. After reinstalling Windows using a USB from the media creation tool, the Pro edition would install automatically. I kept the Home key since it was linked to the physical sticker. Now I have another used laptop from the same refurbisher, but this time Windows 11 is installed instead of Windows 10. It also came with two licenses: a digital Windows 11 license without a sticker and a Windows 10 Pro OEM key. I’m worried that reinstalling Windows 11 might automatically add the Pro edition and remove the Home key because it isn’t tied to hardware, and a fresh install would erase it. Can I still obtain the product key for the Home digital version? Edited April 4, 2024 by ahuckphin added images + reworded question

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SirKumsishon
Senior Member
257
03-24-2021, 07:26 PM
#2
Please restart the system, and Windows should recognize the digital license again.
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SirKumsishon
03-24-2021, 07:26 PM #2

Please restart the system, and Windows should recognize the digital license again.

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plumhead4
Junior Member
17
03-26-2021, 01:33 PM
#3
Windows typically uses the original manufacturer's key, not the Home version key.
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plumhead4
03-26-2021, 01:33 PM #3

Windows typically uses the original manufacturer's key, not the Home version key.

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3gilad3
Senior Member
735
03-28-2021, 09:29 AM
#4
Windows is now linked to the specific hardware identifier of your device. Therefore, when you reinstall it, it will automatically turn on automatically.
3
3gilad3
03-28-2021, 09:29 AM #4

Windows is now linked to the specific hardware identifier of your device. Therefore, when you reinstall it, it will automatically turn on automatically.