2 ms·
In addition to the other comments, product licenses from purchased copies of Windows (like a digital download/upgrade of Windows 10 Pro) are stored in your Micr
by kkielhofner 6y ago
In addition to the other comments, product licenses from purchased copies of Windows (like a digital download/upgrade of Windows 10 Pro) are stored in your Microsoft account.
Whatever means you use to reinstall even if it's a custom built machine without a Windows key in the BIOS you login to your Microsoft account and the license/activation "just works".
Loooooong gone are the days of typing in license keys or calling Microsoft on the phone if there is a problem activating/re-activating.
- brnt 6y ago_If_ you fancy identifying yourself to Microsoft and hooking up the copious telemetry they gather to you identity that is.
- kkielhofner 6y agoTelemetry is a different issue and has been discussed extensively on HN. Once activated you can sign out of your account and implement the various measures that have been well documented here and elsewhere. It doesn't impact your license or activation state. If that doesn't address your concerns you should't use Windows in the first place. Just as I don't for the vast majority of my machines, workflow, etc.