With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a new activation system called a digital entitlement that allows users to upgrade from an older operating system, such as Windows 7 and 8,1, to the new one, without the need for a Product Key.
Once the upgrade is complete, the system automatically turns on (assuming you are running a genuine version of Windows 7 or 8.1), and then Microsoft lets you complete the installation without asking you for a Product Key (key number product).
Windows 10 will be re-enabled every time you reinstall, thanks to this digital rights system that automatically assigns a product key to your system. Manual re-activation is required when you make important changes to your computer's configuration, such as replacing the motherboard.
In an updated article on Windows 10 FAQ, Microsoft reports in detail the scenarios of when you need a product key for the new operating system and when not, but explaining that all users who upgrade from an earlier version do not need to have a product key.
You do not need a key
Basically, the Digital entitlement, which does not require you to have a product key, works in four different cases, as follows:
- When you upgrade a PC to Windows 10 that is running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
- When you buy Genuine Windows 10 from the Windows Store and these are turned on successfully.
- When you purchase an upgrade Windows 10 Pro from Windows Store and these are activated successfully.
- When you are Windows Insider and upgrading the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview to a suitable device running an enabled previous version of Windows and Windows 10 Preview.
This means that even if you purchased Windows 10 from Store (Windows online store), you can do the installation without the need to know a product key. You can install the OS again and again as many times as you want, and re-activation should always be done automatically.
You need a Key
The Product Key is required in the following scenarios:
- If you buy a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- If you buy a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- If you have a multi-license agreement for Windows 10 or are an MSDN subscriber.
- If you buy a new device running Windows 10.
Simply put, if you are a new Windows 10 customer who purchased a device running the new operating system, you should have a product key. This is also the traditional method used for all other versions of Windows, so you should find the product key on a small label that comes with your disk or device (if it has them pre-installed - OEM).
