How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key? Explained! (2024)

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How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key?

How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key? Explained! (1)

If we were to ask you what operating system you have on your PC, chances are you would say Windows. Windows 10, without a doubt, is among the most popular operating systems in the world. However, one question that comes up regularly is how to use the product key and how many times you can use it.

The number of times you can use a product key depends on the license you have purchased. In this article, we’ll explain how you can use the product key and how you can use it multiple times.

How many times can you use a Windows 10 product key?

After purchasing Windows 10, you’ll be given a product key that is used to activate Windows. This key can be used multiple times to activate the operating system; however, the exact number of times you can use it depends upon the license you have purchased.

Let’s look in detail at what licenses you can purchase.

What licenses do you need to activate Windows 10?

The two licenses that you need to activate Windows 10 are the OEM license and the retail license.

OEM License

An OEM license is typically associated with specific hardware, such as laptops and desktops, and therefore cannot be transferred to another device. So, you can only use that product key for that specific device with a pre-installed OEM license.

Retail License

Retail licenses are not tied to any specific hardware. Retail licenses can be used for multiple devices. So, you can use the product key on up to 10 devices if you buy Windows 10 with a retail license.

Can you use the same Windows product key twice?

As we discussed earlier, reusing a Windows 10 product key entirely depends on the license. If your Windows 10 has an OEM license, then you can only use the product key once. However, if you have a retail license, you can use it up to 10 times.

Can you upgrade your Windows 10 license?

You can upgrade your Windows 10 license. If you have an OEM license, then you can buy a retail license from Microsoft or a third-party vendor. This will allow you to use your product key multiple times.

How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key? Explained! (2)

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Conclusion

You can reuse a Windows 10 product key multiple times with a Retail license. However, if you have an OEM license, you cannot use it more than once and also cannot transfer it to another device.

Therefore, if you want to reuse your product key for multiple devices, you need to get the right Windows license.

FAQs

Can you reactivate Windows 10 with the same key?

Yes. if you have uninstalled and reinstalled it on the same computer, you can reactivate Windows 10 with the same key. The key will be automatically reactivated.

However, if you have an OEM license and use the key on another computer, Microsoft will detect this and block the key from being used again.

What happens if you don’t activate Windows 10?

You can use Windows 10 without ever activating it, however, you won’t be able to use certain features, such as multiple desktops, Task View, or the Windows Store.

Moreover, you won’t be able to personalize your lock screen or change the themes, and your notifications will also be disabled.

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How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key? Explained! (2024)

FAQs

How Many Times Can You Use A Windows 10 Key? Explained!? ›

You can reuse a Windows 10 product key multiple times with a Retail license. However, if you have an OEM license, you cannot use it more than once and also cannot transfer it to another device. Therefore, if you want to reuse your product key for multiple devices, you need to get the right Windows license.

How many times can I use my Windows 10 key? ›

Can I use the same Windows 10 product key twice on the same computer? You can always use the product license on the same computer. However you can not set up a second virtual copy/second boot partition with the same key. The key can only be used on one active Windows 10 at a time.

Can a Windows 10 key be reused? ›

On a computer with a retail license of Windows 10, you can transfer the product key to a new device. You only have to remove the license from the system, and then you can apply the same key on the new computer. To remove the product key on Windows 10, use these steps: Open Start.

Can I use the same Windows 10 product key on two computers? ›

A Windows license key for individuals can be used only for one computer at a time. If you need to activate 50 computers, you will need a volume license key.

How many uses does a Windows 10 key have? ›

What Is a Retail License? A retail license is a type of license that is not tied to any specific hardware. This type of license can be used on multiple devices and can be transferred to another device. This means that if you buy Windows 10 with a retail license, you can use the product key up to 10 times.

Is Windows 10 product key for lifetime? ›

If you purchased the official genuine retail version, the key is permanently valid.

Is Windows 10 key permanently? ›

It is always advised to buy and use the original Windows 10 or Windows 10 Pro license from Microsoft to activate the OS permanently. If you are using free Windows 10 product activation keys online, make sure you are taking them from trusted sources, or you may violate the copyright policies.

Can you take a Windows 10 key from another computer? ›

With a regular license, you can transfer the product key from one computer to another by deactivating it on the old PC before entering it on the new one.

Can I use someone else's Windows 10 key? ›

The short answer is “no”, assuming it's a normal end-user license key. Reusing the key for multiple computers is prohibited by the license terms, and depending on the version of the software you might invalidate the license state (“activation”) of the first machine to get the key.

Can I download Windows 10 if I already have a key? ›

Whether you have a product key or digital license for your copy of Windows 10, you can only install and use it on one computer at a time. If you want to install Windows 10 on other computers, you'll need to buy a new copy with its own product key for each one. Several times.

Can I put Windows 10 on 2 computers? ›

You can only install it on one computer. If you need to upgrade an additional computer to Windows 10 Pro, you need an additional license. Click the $99 button to make your purchase (the price might vary by region or depending on the edition you are upgrading from or upgrading to).

What is a multiple activation key Windows 10? ›

A Multiple Activation Key (MAK) is a volume license key that is used for one- time activation with activation services that are hosted by Microsoft. This method is useful for smaller organizations, and for computers which are infrequently connected to the organization's network.

How to activate Windows 10 for free? ›

After the installation is complete, Windows 10 will automatically be activated online. To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation . If Windows 10 isn't activated on your device, see Get help with Windows activation errors for more info.

What happens if I use my Windows 10 key twice? ›

Conclusion. You can reuse a Windows 10 product key multiple times with a Retail license. However, if you have an OEM license, you cannot use it more than once and also cannot transfer it to another device.

Are Windows 10 keys reusable? ›

Yes you can do this (OEM or Retail Key - it does not matter). The key is maintained in the Microsoft Licensing System and the license provides for reinstalling on the same drive or replacing the drive. So just install the same version of Windows (Home or Pro) and that will work fine.

Does Microsoft still sell Windows 10 keys? ›

Microsoft doesn't sell Windows 10 license anymore. However, you can purchase a Windows 11 license and use it to activate Windows 10, because Windows 10 and 11 basically use the same key. The price for Windows 11 is the same anyway compared to what Windows 10 used to be.

Do Windows 10 keys expire? ›

Genuine Windows product keys last indefinitely. The keys will never expire. But things are a little different in the case of OEM Windows keys. If you have an OEM key, as long as you don't change your PC's motherboard, the key will keep on working.

How many times can a Microsoft Office key be used? ›

ONE license/product key = ONE install at a time. OEM Licensed you can reinstall it as many times as you want to on the same computer. Retail license can be transferred to another computer but can be installed on only ONE computer at a time. And you can only have 32bit or 64bit installed not both at the same time.

What is the maximum number of activations for Microsoft Office? ›

With a single license, you can install Microsoft 365 Apps on up to 5 devices. For more information about licensing, see Overview of licensing and activation in Microsoft 365 Apps.

Can you reuse Microsoft Office product keys? ›

Unfortunately, you cannot reuse a Microsoft Office product key. Each product key is unique and can only be used to activate Office on one computer. Once a product key has been used, it is tied to that specific computer and cannot be used again.

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