If you associated or signed onto a Microsoft Account or associated your MSA with your digital license, that will be your MSA containing the digital license. In all cases you will find the license number on the issue media (CD or DVD) and on the wrapper. Upgrading to Windows 11 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 11, Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If the machine is not operable you may find the license number taped to the back of the machine near the serial number. If the machine is operable, you can find it in Help, About on the start button.
You can pull the license number from one of several places. No store wants to get involved with fraudulent merchandise criminal charges.īTW, the current announcement shows that Windows 7 should be supported through 2020, so 7 is a good choice.įor older operating systems, look for friends who are buying new machines, or places where old machines are turned in for recycling or trash (public schools, Best Buy, curbside). If the copy is a fake, just call the credit card company if the store won't refund your money. Some credit card companies offer as a no-charge part of their service product warranties that will protect you. Some fakes are superb and will even have a superior-looking authenticity sticker on the envelope, but your best bet is to purchase from a reputable supplier who will give you a money-back guarantee. To tell if you have a valid license, you can email Microsoft, or try updating it. Another way is to purchase a student copy at a local college.
many users who buy new machines don't want the newer operating system. A very inexpensive way to get a valid license is to advertise on Craigslist or other site.
