Microsoft announced the activation method of Win10 versions

Microsoft recently gave all Win10 versions of the activation method, including devices upgraded from Win7/Win8.1, genuine licenses purchased from Win10 stores, and from retailers Purchase the color box version of Windows10 system software and so on. Since Win10 activation introduces a new digital authorization method, that is, binding devices, this makes it possible to activate Win10 in some ways without the product key, but automatically.

The following are the specific activation methods for different versions:

From the above chart, the device upgraded from Windows7/Windows 8.1 (within one year) to Win10 is purchased from Win10 store. The Home Edition, Professional Edition, and the upgrade from the Home Edition to the Professional Edition, Win10 Preview, etc. do not require a product key, but are automatically activated using a binding device (digital authorization). The other four cases: the product key is required for the first activation of the color box version, the digital version, the volume license (or MSDN subscription), and the purchased Win10 device. According to Microsoft policy, once the Win10 device is activated, it can be automatically networked for activation in the future, without re-entering the product key.