Retrieve Product Key / New Windows 11 install

To perform a fresh installation of Windows 11, you have a few options regarding the product key:

1. Using the Windows 7 Product Key: You can select the option to enter a product key during the installation process and use your Windows 7 Pro key. Microsoft allows the use of a valid Windows 7 key to activate Windows 11, as long as it is a retail key.
2. Retrieving the Current Key: If you want to retrieve the current product key from your existing Windows 11 installation, you can use a third-party tool or a command in the Command Prompt. However, the context does not provide specific methods for retrieving the current key, so you may need to look for additional resources for that.
3. Using a Microsoft Account: If your Windows 11 installation is linked to a Microsoft account, the activation may be tied to that account. In this case, after a fresh install, you can log in with your Microsoft account, and Windows should automatically activate if it recognizes the device.

In summary, the best method would be to use your Windows 7 key during the installation, but ensure that it is a retail key. If you have a Microsoft account linked to your Windows installation, that could also facilitate the activation process after reinstalling.

References:

• Upgrade Windows devices to Windows 10 or 11 Pro
• KMS client activation and product keys

Hello Elias,

Thank you for reaching out about performing a fresh Windows 11 installation and handling activation I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with update errors related to Secure Boot and TPM especially when upgrading hardware like the motherboard and CPU. The reason this happens is that Windows activation is tied to your device’s hardware and major changes can sometimes require reactivation.

A good resolution is to ensure your device is properly activated after the reinstall. If your current Windows 11 is linked to your Microsoft account activation should happen automatically once you sign in after the fresh install. If not you can enter your original Windows 7 retail product key during installation as Microsoft still honors valid retail keys for activation. Another option is to retrieve your current product key before reinstalling using the Command Prompt or a trusted tool so you have it ready.

Would you like me to guide you through checking if your device is linked to your Microsoft account or retrieving your current product key?

I hope this answer is helpful if you have further questions feel free to reply back

Regards,

Marcelo

Thanks for the replies. I have verified that my digital license is linked to my microsoft account. Good to know that my retail Win7 key would also work, assuring. With new hardware, I also prefer fresh install, with new drivers and updates. If I use the "I have a key.." option, do I need to unlink my old PC before the new install ?

Thanks again for the help !

ES