You also can’t get tech support from Microsoft should you call for help with Windows. Microsoft blocks out your personalization options if you get Windows 10 for free and don't activate it. The first is that there’s an embarrassing (if someone is looking over your shoulder) watermark on the lower right corner of the screen, which says that you’re using a non-activated copy of Windows. The good news is that you only have two serious disadvantages from not activating Windows 10 or 11. If you don’t have a valid product key, you can opt not enter one during the install process and live with an unactivated version. Just make sure that you don’t use Windows on the old computer afterwards, because that key will already be in use. If you are massively upgrading your own old PC build, replacing the motherboard and other internal components, try following Microsoft’s instructions for reactivating Windows 10 or 11 after changing hardware (opens in new tab). Feel free to try it, though, because if it works you have Windows 10 or 11 for free. Note that if the product key comes from a prebuilt computer that came from the factory with Windows on it, it has an OEM key that may not work on a different new PC. If you need help finding the product key on your old computer, there are several ways to find it, but using Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder, a free download, is probably the easiest.

If you have an old, retail (non-OEM) copy of Windows 7, 8 or 10 you are no longer using on another PC, you can likely use the product key when you do a fresh install of Windows on your new PC. Use an Old Windows 7, 8 or 10 Key From Another PC: Free Whether you’re going from 7 / 8 to 10 or 10 to 11, you can upgrade either by using an install disk (created with the media creation tool) or with Windows update.

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Windows 7 and 8 will upgrade to 10 and Windows 10 will upgrade to 11, if your computer meets Windows 11’s stringent system requirements, which include TPM 2.0 support, at least 4GB of RAM and at least 64GB of storage space (you can bypass Windows 11’s TPM and RAM requirements but we don't recommend it). If you already have a prior version of Windows installed on the computer, you can likely upgrade it for free (obviously this method doesn’t help if you are building a new PC). Upgrade from a Prior Windows Version: Free

Buy microsoft works for windows 10