Can I use Windows 10 on my computer if I do not know the activation code for my Windows 7Pro?

[Windows Central Question]

I keep getting an error msg on my computer saying my Windows 7 might not be genuine. I do not know where to find the activation key for this, it is not on a label on the computer and I have no disk for it, as it came pre-installed. Can I upgrade or do a clean install to Windows 10 without the Win 7 activation key?

 

[xandros9]

it will likely also complain about not being genuine at the least.

 

[TrueMetalGeek]

if IT thinks it might not be genuine then IT probably wont upgrade.

Open your system info by holding the windows key and then clicking the PAUSE/BREAK key.

At the bottom it shows windows activation.
If it says WINDOWS IS ACTIVATE you are likely in luck and should try the upgrade.

Once you do get an upgrade make sure you use a tool (various tools for this can be found online) to extract and write down your brand new Windows 10 product key that is made for you. It is married to that computer. But if you want to do a clean install after doing an upgrade you need to first extract the product key.