Forum Discussion
How do I get my Windows Key back?
I did a fresh Windows 10 Home install on my PC back in 2021, and I used my dad's old Windows 7 Pro key to activate Windows.
Today, I decided to finally get an SSD, and while I'm at it, do a clean install of Windows 10 Home on my PC. However, after logging in, Windows is not activated ,and apparently you haven't been able to use old keys since 2023. I thought the key would be digitally associated with my account, but that is not the case. Is there anything I can do to get it back? I can't afford to buy Windows right now.
4 Replies
You need to deactivate the key on the old disk first
Go and check your microsoft account
Since you used your dad’s old key back in 2021, it might be a retail key, or it could be OEM. If it’s a retail key, you may be able to reuse it, but Microsoft’s policies have tightened, and many old keys are now blocked or require activation via phone.
When YOU used the Product Key to do a Windows Install of 10. Your Microsoft account was given a digital Key, which it indeed took the place of the key you used. This key can be found in YOUR Microsoft Account.
