You can obtain OS keys from authorized retailers or official software distribution channels.
You can obtain OS keys from authorized retailers or official software distribution channels.
Purchasing 10 Pro eliminates the need to upgrade separately and then reinstall, or handle an upgraded setup. It provides a genuine 10 Pro key for verification if activation fails after hardware changes. I’m unsure about local regulations, but buying locally is generally more affordable than online marketplaces like the Microsoft Store or Amazon, and it’s more trustworthy than third-party sites such as Reddit or G2A.
It wouldn't be a big deal if he was already assembling a PC... I understand the idea of having a 10-keyboard, though buying one would be better since most people upgrade from 8.1 for free. It shows that having that key will still be sufficient when needed. I'm surprised your shop is more affordable than online retailers, as most charge extra to cover expenses. I suggested purchasing from eBay and would have asked for a reputable seller to avoid any issues. I was ending my comment after hearing about a similar situation last week and am pleased with how things turned out.
An 8.1 key isn't sufficient for Microsoft. They require a 10 to confirm licensing for 10. It's unclear how to regain activation after hardware changes on a newly upgraded system. You didn't mention eBay, but it could be a legitimate route. Still, it might be just as reliable as G2A and Reddit—though that could raise doubts. You have no idea where the key originally came from, and reselling keys is not allowed. Microsoft can cancel the key if they discover it was resold.
So those who got Windows 10 for free during the 8.1 install might face issues if something goes wrong. That seems a bit unrealistic. I’m not representing Microsoft, but I’m pretty confident they’d gladly accept a Windows 8.1 license if someone claimed to have upgraded from 10. Also, does the upgrade automatically provide a Windows 10 key? Actually, I did suggest buying one on eBay for around £12.50. Microsoft can definitely do that, though eBay is now more regulated and it’s not straightforward to resell items you shouldn’t.
I'm not suggesting they're in trouble, but they can't confirm their license status. Upgrading to 10 doesn't provide a key; it just registers your PC on the activation server, letting you activate without one. It works with most hardware changes like RAM, storage, and graphics. However, a motherboard upgrade is likely to be blocked. The Microsoft Support Team is handling this issue and is shifting some of their workload from phone activation to customer support. You mentioned this in a post I didn't see, sorry for the oversight. I think eBay follows such practices, but it's tough to trace a product key without contacting Microsoft directly. There are tools that can identify whether a key is retail, OEM, or volume, but pinpointing details is difficult.
At the end of the day, I think Microsoft would be fine with it and I feel it’s a more affordable choice compared to buying everything outright. It’s a cheaper alternative with minimal extra work. I’m hoping our conversation provided some useful guidance, and I wish the person a great outcome with their project.
Win 10 doesn't allow modifications from sites like Nexus, as reported online