Upgrading To Windows 10

* * *  Use Windows Media Creation Tool * * *

2021-12-15 I assumed refurbs with XP license would not authenticate but I just did one. Trying a second one now. Second one didn't work but picked up the autopico volume license.

slmgr /xpr

That is the short version. Don't bother waiting for Windows Update to offer it.

I bought a refurbished Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 3 and it had a registered version of 8.1 Pro.

I normally do a clean install of Win 10 but wanted the upgrade experience.
Every site said update your current version and wait for Windows to offer upgrade.
Forget it . . .

Creation Tool will offer upgrade option in place. It worked fine.

You should grab the current Windows key just in case.
Use Nirsoft Keyfinder or look for a sticker on the PC.

If all else fails and you don't want to run your own KMS hack . . .
. . . buy a cheap key here. Many Youtubers offer further discount codes.

***And other ways to read the Original Windows key from BIOS
RWEverything (click ACPI icon from the top toolbar, and MSDM table in ACPI table)
or
Open a Command Prompt window and run the following command:
(wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey)
or
FirmwareTablesView (read MSDM)

Need an earlier version of Windows 10? Use Rufus. It may take a little fiddling but the "Download" button is what you want.