Old windows product key

[AllaboutBudget]

Hey guys so I found a windows product key in my bro's old defective laptop. Can yall tell me what can I do with it?

[userzero]

You can use it to activate that version of Windows on another computer. If it needs resetting then you'll need to speak to Microsoft.

[AllaboutBudget]

6 minutes ago, userzero said:

You can use it to activate that version of Windows on another computer. If it needs resetting then you'll need to speak to Microsoft.

Like any windows version? And what kind of resetting?

[AllaboutBudget]

Just now, AllaboutBudget said:

Like any windows version? And what kind of resetting?

Oh sorry that version of windows 

[userzero]

5 minutes ago, AllaboutBudget said:

Oh sorry that version of windows 

Well it will either activate, providing you've installed the exact same version, or it'll tell you is has been activated too many times. You can then speak to Microsoft support to reset it etc. Pretty normal stuff.

[NelizMastr]

Depends. If it's a Windows 7 key, it'll work on 7 and 10. An 8.1 key will work on 8.1 and 10. Word of caution: it's an OEM key so it's technically illegal to reuse it on a different computer. Using phone activation however, this usually works just fine.

[ProjectBox153]

What kind of key is it? Windows 7? XP?

[LogicalDrm]

Depends on which version of Windows we are talking about Win8/.1 is no-go, keys are locked to mobo. Win7 is 50-50. You might get it to work with some begging from Microsoft support. Vista and earlier would just work, but aren't supported anymore (= no more security updates).