When do I need to enter a system key after upgrading a Windows 7/8/8.1 user?

On Windows 7/Windows 8 systems, the activation method and the way to get genuine are believed to be familiar. However, the release of the Windows 10 system completely changed the way the system was activated, using the latest "Digital Entitlement" activation mechanism. The benefits of this mechanism make it unnecessary to enter any activation keys when upgrading from genuine Windows 7/Windows 8 to Windows 10 systems. The new activation mechanism of Digital Licensing helps Windows 7/8/8.1 users complete system upgrades without a product key. The system is automatically activated after the system upgrade is complete, and you do not need to use the product key to reactivate it when you reinstall Windows 10 later.

With digital licensing technology, when you reinstall Windows 10 on your device, unless your PC hardware such as a motherboard replacement requires major hardware changes to be reactivated manually, in the same hardware case No manual activation is required. The following are scenarios for Windows 10 activation:

“Digital recognition" applies to the following four situations:

1. When you plan on an eligible device running Windows 7/8.1 system When upgrading to a Windows 10 system.

2. You purchased a real Windows 10 system from the Windows Store and successfully activated it on your device.

3. You purchased a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Windows Store and successfully activated it on your device.

4. You are a member of Windows Insider and upgrade to the latest Windows 10 Insider preview on eligible devices that have previously run a successful Windows and Windows 10 preview.

The product key needs to be entered in the following four situations:

1. You purchased a copy of the Windows 10 physical system from an authorized retailer.

2. You purchased a copy of the Windows 10 digital system from an authorized retailer.

3. You have a volume licensing contract for Windows 10 or MSDN subscriptions.

4. You purchased a brand new device running Windows 10 system.

Through this article, we know which four situations you need to enter the system key, and you can't remember it on your own book.