By default, Windows 10 builds are pre-keyed, meaning, you do not have to enter a product key and should not be prompted to enter one even after Windows 10 has completed setup.
Retrieve your product key:
Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image.
When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?
If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing too.
If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.
If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.
Full version (Retail):
- Includes transfer rights to another computer.
- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.
- Expensive
Upgrade version (Retail):
- Includes transfer rights to another computer.
- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.
How To Buy Windows Embedded License Online
- Expensive, but cheaper than full version
OEM :
OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
What happens if I change my motherboard?
This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.
Will users who take advantage of the upgrade offer for Windows 10 from Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 also be able to obtain recovery media?
Microsoft recently noted the following options available:
With Windows 10, you can create your own recovery media and back up the pristine state of the operating system and preinstalled software. If things go wrong and you are unable to refresh or reset your device successfully, you can boot the device using recovery media and reset to the prior pristine state.
Source: http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/03/16/how-windows-10-achieves-its-compact-footprint/
You can also initiate a clean install by doing the following:
You can do a clean install a couple ways.
Press Windows key + i
Gilmore girls pilot script. Click Update and Security
Click Recovery
Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, click Get started
or Samsung j7 usb not working.
At the Sign in screen
Advanced systemcare ultimate 10 license key. Hold down the shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Power icon on the screen
Continue to hold down the shift key while clicking Restart
Continue to hold down the shift key until the Advanced Recovery Options menu appears
Click Troubleshoot
Click Reset
-->This topic describes the supported installation paths for upgrading Windows Embedded devices. Customers must have a license for Windows 10 Enterprise to exercise any of these upgrade paths. The following table shows the upgrade path for various Windows Embedded devices.
Starting SKU | Ending SKU | Components upgraded | IT-initiated in-place upgrade |
---|---|---|---|
Windows Embedded 8.1 Pro | Windows 10 Enterprise | Operating system + data/settings | Yes |
Windows Embedded 8 Pro | Windows 10 Enterprise | Operating system + data/settings | Yes |
Windows Embedded Enterprise 7 | Windows 10 Enterprise | Operating system + data/settings | Yes |
The following devices cannot be upgraded directly to Windows 10. You must wipe the devices and then reload Windows 10 Enterprise.
- Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise
- Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro
- Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise
- Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro
- Windows Embedded POSReady 7
- Windows Embedded 8 Standard
- Windows Embedded Standard 7
- Windows Embedded Standard 7 Service Pack 1
- Windows XP Embedded
For information about upgrading Windows Embedded Handheld devices, see Enable offline upgrades to Windows 10 for Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld devices.
Windows Embedded 2011 will have a new form of activation developed by Windows specifically for the needs of the Embedded market. It will be referred to as “Embedded Activation” or “Brand Activation”. Windows Embedded is now a unique Edition that’s part of the overall family of Windows products. This new method of activation is integrated into the edition, essentially 'baked in' to Windows Embedded Standard 2011.
Key facts:
·Activation will happen automatically during setup of the reference or master image
·It will not require network or internet connectivity
·It will require the use of an OEM-specific or license-specific product key (included in the answer file or keyed in to the OOBE UI)
·The activation state persists through manufacturing and/or deployment
·Except in the case of license or kernel tampering, the activation status will be static -- once activated the OS remains activated
·End users will not see activation state notifications
·Includes a limited level of traceability should piracy occur
Similar to previous products, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 images set up using evaluation keys or without a product key cannot be activated and will only be functional for the pre-determined evaluation period.
Source: Activation of quebecKey facts:
·Activation will happen automatically during setup of the reference or master image
·It will not require network or internet connectivity
·It will require the use of an OEM-specific or license-specific product key (included in the answer file or keyed in to the OOBE UI)
·The activation state persists through manufacturing and/or deployment
·Except in the case of license or kernel tampering, the activation status will be static -- once activated the OS remains activated
·End users will not see activation state notifications
·Includes a limited level of traceability should piracy occur
Similar to previous products, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 images set up using evaluation keys or without a product key cannot be activated and will only be functional for the pre-determined evaluation period.