1. Welcome Guest! In order to create a new topic or reply to an existing one, you must register first. It is easy and free. Click here to sign up now!.
    Dismiss Notice

Microsoft Modifies Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to Prompt for Product Key

Discussion in 'Windows 10 Information and Alerts' started by allheart55 (Cindy E), Aug 8, 2016.

  1. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,526
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    It looks like Microsoft is starting to make some attempt at closing the Windows 10 Free Upgrade loopholes. The Media Creation Tool, which provides detailed options for upgrading, now prompts Windows 7 or Windows 8 systems for a product key. The Media Creation Tool takes into consideration, users, who might have downgraded a previously installed and activated Windows 10 installation; by giving them the option to reinstall Windows 10, exempting them from the product key requirements. The new Digital License function attaches a Windows 10 license to the machine, permitting unlimited reinstalls without the need to have a product key or contact support to get the software reactivated.

    When users download the download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, they will see the following screen as usual.

    bfb8efa952ad642baffc1b51a4df954e.png

    If the option to Upgrade this PC now is selected, the user will be prompted the enter a valid Windows 10 product key.

    878756344ed2f6b561464211e9ce8b5e.png

    Any attempts to enter a Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key will be invalidated:

    bda6b5396d2b5f850772674f1a85ad55.png

    A new option has been added to the setup screen for users reinstalling Windows 10 on a previously installed and activated system. If your system has a Digital License attached to it, Windows 10 will automatically upgraded:

    0a8954b087e2d486a0b3030957a46a46.png

    Users can still circumvent the prompt for a product key by selecting the option Create installation media for another PC.

    28fdaee1977e7216a7c3b2a61ab1808c.png

    There is another step users will have to follow in order to avoid being prompted to enter a product key. Even when installing from ISO, users can be prompted for a product key if the option Download and install updates (recommended) is selected. Instead, users should select the option Not at the moment. This will permit the upgrade to continue.

    9d3152b8b1c4185ccec85714d88f5b44.png

    I am sure Microsoft is working on a more concrete solution to ultimately end the free upgrade offer. In the mean time, you can still get it while door slowly closes.

    Thanks to Philip Yip of DellReinstallGuide for the tip!

    Source: Windows 10Forums
     

Share This Page