Can I Install Windows 10 to an SSD drive with my Win 7sp1 key

[Larry Amato]

Lenovo Laptop.. A ..64 bit pro
I have clean installed win 8.1 pro onto a SSD drive using the product key id number supplied with the original Windows disk I purchased..
Bios was modified to clean install..from DVD
...I then updated that win 8.1 to win 10 via updates.. It now has a different key serial number.

Lenovo Laptop.. B ..64 bit pro
I have win 7sp1 on my Laptop B with a regular drive..with it's own product key ID..( say id # 5555)
It is showing the win10 update reserve window to take effect some time in the future..( waiting patiently )

My Question is ...here it is.....
I want to replace and Install an SSD drive onto ..Laptop B ..
Can I clean install the win 8.1 dvd onto Laptop B..using the product key ID from win 7sp1..?? using that key serial id # 5555..?? Which windows asks for a product key id #..when installing..
OR....
Downloading Widows Media 10 to a usb drive then using the new SSD drive on Laptop B using the product key from win 7sp1 (55555)
.. booting from the usb..
Inquiring mind would like to know..

 

[dozer167a]

Ok, for laptop B: You need a licence specifically for the version of the OS you wish to install, so installing Windows 8.1 and attempting to use the Windows 7 product key simply wouldn't work, you'll need a Windows 8.1 product key. Best bet...or what I would do is the following. As Windows 7 sp1 is currently installed on Laptop B and is showing the windows 10 update reserve to take effect some time in the future. Install your ssd that you want to replace in your Laptop in to a 2.5" usb caddy, and clone your current hard drive to the ssd. Shut down Laptop then replace old hard drive with ssd and boot up. You'll still have the windows 10 reserved, and when its ready for you to install you'll have no issues. Once you've upgraded to Windows 10 it will activate automatically. Now you can download the Windows 10 iso from Microsoft if you so wish for your appropriate version (32 bit or 64 bit) and do a fresh install. Hope this helps. Regards dozer167

 

[Larry Amato]

Thanks for your reply..