Windows 10 keys are all the same after updating several computers.


Recommended Posts

This week I updated a small business with 3 Windows 8.1 installations to Windows 10. Each of the Windows 8.1 systems had its own key, but all systems had the exact same hardware. After updating to Windows 10 pro the license keys for all 3 systems are now the same. All systems say that they are activated and have a valid license. Will I have a problem in the future with this client? and has anyone else seen this problem and if so how did you fix this?

Do they have different user accounts?  If they do, then that is NOT a bug - licensing is tied to the user account;  NOT the CD key.  (Tying software licensing to CD keys is easier in terms of piracy - which is why Microsoft is deliberately moving away from it with Windows 10 - and likely with Office 2016 as well, if not Office 365 going forward.)

Windows 10 upgrade licenses are tied to a hardware ID, not any user accounts or your Microsoft account. The key is a generic upgrade key and isn't needed for anything. Once you have installed Win 10 over a valid Win 7/8 installation that device is registered and will reactivate whenever 10 is installed on it. Just hit "skip" for both of the product key requests.

o they have different user accounts?  If they do, then that is NOT a bug - licensing is tied to the user account;  NOT the CD key.  (Tying software licensing to CD keys is easier in terms of piracy - which is why Microsoft is deliberately moving away from it with Windows 10 - and likely with Office 2016 as well, if not Office 365 going forward.)

I installed them all with the same user admin account. Hopefully this does not cause any future licensing issues.

Windows 10 upgrade licenses are tied to a hardware ID, not any user accounts or your Microsoft account. The key is a generic upgrade key and isn't needed for anything. Once you have installed Win 10 over a valid Win 7/8 installation that device is registered and will reactivate whenever 10 is installed on it. Just hit "skip" for both of the product key requests.

Windows 10 upgrade licenses are tied to a hardware ID, not any user accounts or your Microsoft account. The key is a generic upgrade key and isn't needed for anything. Once you have installed Win 10 over a valid Win 7/8 installation that device is registered and will reactivate whenever 10 is installed on it. Just hit "skip" for both of the product key requests.

I was thinking of the hash calculated based on installed hardware (that IS a component of said hash); however, it's not totally based on the hardware - there ARE other components to the hash.  In any case, it IS a move from reliance on easy-to-fake components (such as license keys) without going all onerous (such as hardware dongles).  If Microsoft can tame software licensing without making it more onerous (or actually make it LESS onerous to users), good for them.

Do they have different user accounts?  If they do, then that is NOT a bug - licensing is tied to the user account;  NOT the CD key.  (Tying software licensing to CD keys is easier in terms of piracy - which is why Microsoft is deliberately moving away from it with Windows 10 - and likely with Office 2016 as well, if not Office 365 going forward.)

Its got nothing to do with user accounts. Its totally hardware based. Microsoft has even said so.

 

 

I was thinking of the hash calculated based on installed hardware (that IS a component of said hash); however, it's not totally based on the hardware - there ARE other components to the hash.  In any case, it IS a move from reliance on easy-to-fake components (such as license keys) without going all onerous (such as hardware dongles).  If Microsoft can tame software licensing without making it more onerous (or actually make it LESS onerous to users), good for them.

I'm not sure how it works now, TBH. I upgraded my HTPC to Windows 10 then replaced both the video card and hard drive and it still activated immediately as soon as the install was complete. I only created a local account because I hate how it makes user folder names out of your e-mail address if you sign in straight to a MS account. :/

In the past changing those two components at once would have triggered a reactivation so maybe it considers certain motherboard data (like OEM certificates) sufficient now if it's present.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • I know Windows DHCP and DNS servers get teased a lot, but those services were at least created at a time when MS cared more than they do now, and they work mostly as expected. I actually use both in a multisite professional setting, not really because I love them, but because we use Active Directory and those services go hand-in-hand with it. A few times when I have needed to configure some more advanced features, I was worried Windows might not support them, but so far it has not let me down. I can only image the horror a Windows 11 era DHCP server would be, probably fewer options than the basic service on a Netgear router.
    • Since the article doesn't cover it: >Pinned Tabs allow you to always keep your favorite tabs open and just a click away. Pinned Tabs are small, can't be closed accidentally, and open automatically when you start Firefox. from https://support.mozilla.org/en...keep-favorite-websites-open
    • CapCut 6.4.0 (offline installer) by Razvan Serea CapCut is a versatile video editing app that offers a range of features such as multi-layer editing, keyframe animations, special effects, and more, to create professional-quality videos. With CapCut, users can edit and enhance their videos with a variety of tools such as filters, transitions, effects, and text overlays. CapCut's extensive library of pre-designed templates and visual effects also allows users to create unique and eye-catching videos in just a few clicks. Users can also adjust video speed, crop, and merge multiple clips, among other features. CapCut is available for both mobile devices and Windows, making it accessible for everyone. CapCut key features: User-friendly interface for easy video editing A wide range of editing tools, including trim, split, cut, and merge Music library with a wide range of tracks to choose from Customizable text and fonts to add captions and titles Multi-layer timeline for seamless editing and layering Filters and effects to enhance video quality and style A variety of transitions to choose from Multiple aspect ratio options for different platforms Green screen/chroma key for adding custom backgrounds Overlays and stickers to add to your videos Easy exporting to different video formats and resolutions Large library of pre-designed templates and visual effects Customizable video thumbnails for branding Keyframe animation to add movement to your video Speed adjustment for slow motion or time-lapse effects Customizable transitions between clips Reverse video playback for creative effects Voiceover recording and editing for narrating your video Color grading tools and much more... Download: CapCut 6.4.0 | 709.0 MB (Freeware) Links: CapCut Website | CapCut Screenshot | CapCut Online Editor Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • I love how everything is gold except the Trump name, which is usually gold. It's in red, but the US flag? No blue or red allowed. This is such a hack Photoshop job, I would have thought Jony Ive was behind it. But even he wouldn't show art this unfinished. Just this stupid.
    • >Unlimited talk time, messages, and internet As Captain Picard once said to the android nearby, "Data?"
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      patrickft456 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      patrickft456 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      Jdoe25 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Explorer
      Legend20 went up a rank
      Explorer
    • One Month Later
      jezzzy earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      642
    2. 2
      ATLien_0
      279
    3. 3
      +FloatingFatMan
      170
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      156
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      131
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!