> "However, because our reader runs with a local account, there was no Microsoft account to helpfully record the earlier Windows 10 activation" [with a Windows

> "However, because our reader runs with a local account, there was no Microsoft account to helpfully record the earlier Windows 10 activation" [with a Windows 7 key] Which is a deliberate decision of Microsoft, a self-inflicted problem: They activated Windows 10 previously with the Windows 7 key using a internet connection, so their activation servers were made aware of that action. They decided not to whitelist that key for Win10 in general, but only when linked to a online Microsoft account. The cost-impact on their customer service will surely outgrow the possible gains of this decision...