Laptop Battery Refurbishing?

[Porthos]

Or are you asking if a Windows 7 key that's never been used or registered can be used on a fresh install of Windows 10? If that's the question, I've never tried it so I don't really know if it would work or not.

As long the right version (home/pro) is selected. Just have tp use the option to not enter the key during setup and activate it after Windows is loaded.

 

[ThatPlace928]

As long the right version (home/pro) is selected. Just have tp use the option to not enter the key during setup and activate it after Windows is loaded.

That's what I do but there's another option that sometimes works to activate at install. Select "I don't have a key" [or whatever the verbiage is] and it will self-activate, as long as it's a valid key. You'll know if it did or not, when you check system information through the Control Panel.

 

[ThatPlace928]

If you need the original license key prior to install, this is the command to use at the prompt:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

I've watched others use this command with great success but I have never had any success, myself.

 

[Blues]

@britechguy summed up my understanding and any gaps I had in it.

You can build the Windows 10 install media w/o a Windows 10 license so you can theoretically install Windows 10 w/o buying it or already having it but the activation side of it because the gray area in terms of legality, morality, and even functionality at times.

 

[NviGate Systems]

There may be times when perhaps the product key is missing (Failed Motherboard Tattoo for HP, or OA3 key missing after Warranty repair) or non legible (key worn off if laptop).....

In those cases unless you previously upgraded to 10 you are out of luck.

In any other case, you can always use the key. For embedded keys there are a bunch of third party tools that grab the keys these days. Works a treat.