Yes, you can still obtain the key.
Yes, you can still obtain the key.
Uncertain if your post was in the right section of the forum. Planning to try a 'gaming PC and NAS in one tower' setup and wondering if you can still retrieve your key. Also, I moved from 8.1 to 10—anything about formatting the drives connected to the NAS partition? Thanks ahead!
Do you have the machine operational? A few software options can assist in retrieving the key.
When upgrading the key change, it should be set to Windows 10. You can contact Windows Live Chat for verification so you know the correct version to install. I’ve done this before when installing Windows 10 Home with a Windows 10 Pro key.
The version designation doesn't change the impact, only the specific release.
After upgrading from version 8.1 to 10, install Produkey by Nirsoft using the provided key and it will function properly with version 10.
On Windows 10, you likely don't need a physical key anymore. Microsoft keeps your license and device information on their servers. After formatting, the PC connects back online and confirms its hardware with Microsoft. If you alter any components, it might not recognize the device. Even with the key, activation could fail since Microsoft treats it as different hardware.
Using a Microsoft account increases the likelihood your key is connected to it. This means during reinstallation you won’t need a physical key. Simply bypass it and after logging back in with your MS account, your computer should recognize it. To verify, open Windows Settings, select Update & Security, then Activation and confirm it says "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account." Additionally, this device originally came with a Windows 7 retail license and is now running Windows 10. I have reinstalled without a key before without any problems.