Yes it works. Starting with the November update, Windows 10 (Version 1511) can be activated using some Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys. During the free upgrade, you can use a valid Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key to activate Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher).
It works when installing Windows 10 with installation media or by entering the key after installing Windows 10. Enter any Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key that hasn’t previously been used to upgrade to 10, and Microsoft’s servers will give your PC’s hardware a new digital license that will allow you to continue using Windows 10 indefinitely on that PC.
The next thing we wanted the answer to was: can I use an old Windows 7 key with Windows 10?
As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation.
One query we ran across in our research was “Will My Windows 8 product key work with Windows 8 home?”.
This is what we ran into. the Windows 8 product key may or may not work at that point. If you are sure you are installing the correct version of Windows, skip the product key at that point. Then the install program will ask if you want to install Home or Pro.
You should be able to enter the Windows 7 product key in the Windows 10 Pro you have installed now in the “change product key” option – if it is version 1511, build 10586.
What if I didn’t enter my Windows 10 key?
If you didn’t enter a key during the installation process, you can enter a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key right in this window when you’re asked to provide a Windows 10 key. Windows will check in with Microsoft’s servers and give your PC a digital license for Windows 10.
Hi, Experiencing problems when activating Windows 10 can be caused by several factors. It’s possible that the product key might be invalid, could be that the activation servers were busy, or you may have not activated your Windows 10 when you first upgraded from Windows 8.1.
Can Windows 8 1 be upgraded to Windows 10?
The windows 8.1 system has never been upgraded to windows 10 before. No, it won’t work. That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key., and be quiet! That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key. Click to expand.