Setup Cannot Validate Product Key when Upgrading to W10

[cosrocket 3]

I have an HP laptop running Windows 7 Pro which I would like to upgrade to Windows 10 (I read that if you go through the upgrade process by downloading the media tool from Microsoft that it will still activate Windows 10 for free). I did that and ran it and at one point it says "Setup cannot validate product key". Windows 7 is activated so I don't know why I am getting this message. Does anyone know a fix for this issue? 

[CJ33 53]

i dont think you have to put a product key in. just press skip and when it boots up, windows should already be activated. (if this promotion still works)

[cosrocket 3]

There is no skip...the only thing to click on is Close.

[xendrome 5,186]

Free upgrade ended long ago.

[erpster3 24]

don't use the media creation tool.  download the Win10 ISO image by following these steps from this web site:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/download-windows-10-iso-without-using-media-creation-tool

 

and when attempting to install Win10 Pro on top of Win7 pro, disconnect from the internet before running Win10 setup

 

also check whether the Win7 Pro is either a retail (full) or OEM edition by viewing the system properties and look at the product id carefully