Yes it works. Starting with the November update, Windows 10 (Version 1511) can be activated using some Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys. During the free upgrade, you can use a valid Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key to activate Windows 10 ( Version 1511 or higher ).
Our answer is that If you do have a Windows 8.1 key, you can still use it to activate Windows 10. So you could just as easily stay on Windows 10 for free. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or distance just makes things blurry.
There’s still a way to activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key, in addition to Microsoft’s accessibility offer. Update: We originally wrote this article in 2016, but this upgrade trick still works in 2019!
This of course begs the question “How do I activate Windows 10 without a product key?”
(If you’re using a Windows 8 or 8.1 system with the product key embedded in your systems UEFI firmware or BIOS, you may also be able to click “I don’t have a product key.” Windows 10 should automatically find the key in your UEFI firmware later and activate your system.).
Can I use an old Windows 7 key with Windows 10?
As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation.
Will Windows 10 read a Windows 8 product key in BIOS?
The clean install of Windows 10 will read a Windows 8 product key in bios and install and activate automatically if there is a product key in bios.
If the Windows 8 product key is stored in bios, Windows 10 will read that product key, install the version it is for (Home or Pro) and if installed for the first time prior to 29 July will activate.
Can Windows 8 1 be upgraded to Windows 10?
The windows 8.1 system has never been upgraded to windows 10 before. No, it won’t work. That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key., and be quiet! That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key. Click to expand.
Can I downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10?
To even downgrade to Windows 8.1, you will need a valid key. Microsoft doesn’t sell Windows 8.1 keys, so obtaining one will be difficult. You can take a risk on cheap keys, but you might end up with a key that isn’t valid and won’t stay activated. If you do have a Windows 8.1 key, you can still use it to activate Windows 10.