Windows Product Key

2022-06-16 UKV (Ultra Virus Killer) under system info will show the key 

Open command prompt cmd

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

I like Nirsoft's program for this but fighting the antivirus over it irritating so why bother.

This one looks good PID Key Checker 

Or this may be good enough and you don't need anything but cmd

Windows Product Key

check expiration

slmgr /xpr

type and partial key

slmgr /dli

same but more info

slmgr /dlv

Retrive key

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Windows 10 Install

slmgr /xpr (shows if activated)

slmgr /dli (shows partial product key) (find full key in UVK system info)

slmgr /dlv (give more info on key)

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey (this may read from BIOS so could be inaccurate if new version with different key is installed)

UKV (Ultra Virus Killer) under system info will show the key 

-or-

regedit Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform (BackupProductKeyDefault)

Need an earlier version of Windows 10? Use this batch script.

https://gist.github.com/AveYo/c74dc774a8fb81a332b5d65613187b15

Windows 10 from Windows 7
... Just Sayin' - After many flawless 7 to 10 upgrades, I have run into 3 no go machines. After several attempts at trouble shooting failed, here is my suggestion. Rejoice in the opportunity to do a clean install and call it a good day.
... Additional Install Info Here
First backup system with AOMEI Backupper.
AOMEI will ask for an email to enable download. I use yep@nope.com :) It will take anything.

Find and record your Windows product key.
*It may be on a sticker (best way)
* or try this https://nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
(This should work because it reads the key stored in Windows registry)

Download Media Creation Tool
(Using a fresh version will diminish time for updating during install.)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Start Media Creation Tool
Choose your flash drive as destination.
I never choose "use settings from this PC".

***I assume you have backed up all your data somewhere***
After completion you can start setup from the flash drive from within Windows 7.
This in-place upgrade works well but does not always work. Give it a shot.
If the in-place upgrade works you will not have to worry about the product key.
(A clean install is always preferable but don't fret over not doing the clean install. You can always do it later, once the authentication has been established.)
I boot from the created flash drive and run setup.exe.
For in-place upgrade things will be automatic.

If doing clean install:
*** Make certain only ONE hard drive is connected. ***
Choose "I don't have a product key".
Choose the version that matches your previously authorized version for which you have a key..
Choose "Custom Install"
Delete the partitions of your old Windows install.
Choose "Next" on the newly unallocated space.
Bingo - Installing Windows

LoL - Now we have some important setup to do . . . or so it says. Windows does it all.
After all that important work is done . . .
Create an off line account (the fine print at the bottom left)
No harm in using your MS account but I don't do it.
Now say "NO" to everything . . . or not
Now Wait until the system pops up.
No need to hurry authenticating but nice to know if it works.
Right Click on My PC
Click "Change My Product Key" lower right.
Copy/Paste the key into the dialog box - or type it :)
Good work. You are in a happy place.

You may (or not) wish to move user folders to D drive.
You may wish to "shut up" Windows 10
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
You may want to debloat Windows 10
http://bighugethingcomputing.blogspot.com/2019/04/windows-10-debloat.html

Windows 10 versions:
I have not had any problems with any version of Windows 10 but many people have. If you need to create (download) a specific version - try this https://pastebin.com/bBw0Avc4

This is an example of running the bat file

You may wish to delay feature updates. These are the big time updates which people find problematic. Pro versions allow long delays but the Home versions are much more limited in allowing the delay. Setting a metered download option is said to avoid feature updates in the Home versions.

Once you have a working system, back it up with AOMEI Backupper. It will ask for an email. I normally use yep@nope.com :) It will take anything.

Bonus info: Your entire old Windows system is saved on the boot drive as "Windows old" folder in case Windows needs to revert to the old system.. It is big and you will want to eventually delete the folder but don't hurry in case you need to revert. Use Windows own "Disk Clean-up" to remove the file. You can't simply delete it in a standard way.

Right Click on the boot drive:

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.

Windows 10 Debloat

Chris Titus Debloat (I haven't tried yet)

https://christitus.com/debloat-windows-10-2020/

https://github.com/Sycnex/Windows10Debloater

*See Info Below
This is the GUI
(I install NET v3.5 because programs I use need it.)

Right click + Power Shell does not always give you the admin option. The script must be run in Power Shell as admin. You may need to do this . . .

1. Download the .zip file on the main page of the github and extract the .zip file to your desired location
2. Once extracted, open PowerShell (or PowerShell ISE) as an Administrator
3. Enable PowerShell execution Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Force
4. On the prompt, change to the directory where you extracted the files: e.g. - cd c:\temp
5. ***If a space exists in syntax put string in single quotes eg. cd 'D:\User\Two Words'
6. Next, to run either script, enter in the following: e.g. - .\Windows10DebloaterGUI.ps1
7. ***Do not mis the .\ or it will not run :)
8. You may or may not be asked to type "R" to run. Just do it.

Windows 10 Sleeping Too Fast

This is what worked . . . go here and do #2 reg fix

Group Policy Editor Added To Windows 10 Home

I bought a new laptop awhile back that came with Windows 10 Home.  I don't use Group Policy Editor all that often but I do occasionally. It was irritating not to have it. I read about adding it but results seemed mixed. The following site said they had nailed the process and it worked flawlessly for me.

https://www.itechtics.com/easily-enable-group-policy-editor-gpedit-msc-in-windows-10-home-edition/

This may be a better option 

https://github.com/Fleex255/PolicyPlus

Delete Windows 10 Update Files

Many of us run small SSD boot drives and a bunch of old Windows update files are unwelcome.
This is where they reside in case you want to delete them.

KMSpico

If you have Frosty Rose (fixed) from the original source - the password is 2016

Fixing Windows 10

Also see this

I'm linking to this summary of Windows 10 Fixes from Into Windows. It's a good one.
http://www.intowindows.com/10-free-tools-to-repair-windows-10/

Password Windows 10

Try these programs:
I have had lazesoft work and not work
http://www.lazesoft.com/download.html

or

This sets up a new admin user
Boot your Windows 10 installation (a live linux will also work)
Once the setup begins, hit Shift+F10.
move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
Use the command “wpeutil reboot” to restart the machine.
At the login screen, click the Utility Manager
net user /add
net localgroup administrators /add
Delete the utilman.exe and remove the .bak from the original.
This adds an admin user to reset the original user's password. Delete the user when done.

https://www.howtogeek.com/222262/how-to-reset-your-forgotten-password-in-windows-10/

Windows 10 Keys (Buying)

https://www.kinguin.net/category/19429/windows-10-professional-oem-key/?___store=english&___from_store=kinguin_dk_english

Or here:
https://www.scdkey.com/microsoft-windows-10-pro-oem-cd-key-global_1227-20.html

Windows 10 If You Must

This does a good job of explaining new features

Here are some new touch pad moves.

Creating a local account. (In case you regret doing the whole Microsoft log in thing) Hey, I get it.

Things I like about Win 10
Touch pad gestures are great if (and only if) the touch pad is equally great.
Screen dimming is shamefully easy from the notification area.
Window snapping might even be useful now.
I've never been fond of multiple desktops but now we have them and they work well.
Command prompt has been brought out of the stone age.
You can now print to PDF naively. Saves installing Bullzip or Cute.

Things I hate.
The insanely irritating audible notifications were annoying and a secession to turn off.
Cortana is useless for Google users (maybe any users) and extra weight on the system.
I have already had 2 or 3 lock-ups and needed hard shut down. Not looking good.
Wow, copying files from USB Hard Drive drove it crazy. Hope it's not a bad port..
The wireless mouse lagged at grabbing and moving windows. Turning off the touch pad delay fixed.

This serialize registry edit made auto-start programs load faster.

Trouble Activating Go Here

Block Remove Windows 10 Upgrade Notice on Windows 7

Use this
http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/gwx_control_panel,1.html

Or Steve Gibson's version of Never 10
https://www.grc.com/never10.htm