A common misconception among Windows users is that a single windows 10 home key can be used to activate the Windows 10 Operating System in multiple computers. First off, users should know that a Microsoft product key is linked to the hardware of a computer and not in any way associated with the buyer of a Windows OS.
Be in the know that Microsoft does not keep detailed records about purchases of their product, particularly software that requires a product key to initiate the program activation. What the company maintains is a data list of product keys and the computer hardware to which the activation code was used.
That denotes that a single Windows product key is identifiable with the computer hardware and not with the product user. Activation of Windows software through a product key or digital license is Microsoft’s way of verifying that the OS program was not installed in multiple computers.
Use Cases of Windows 10 Purchases
In use cases where the Windows OS software has to be installed in multiple computers, the buyer must purchase additional product keys for each computer. Besides, as far as Microsoft is concerned, the Windows 10 version sold since 2016, came with a digital license that replaced the product key as program initiator.The issuance of a digital license that formed part of the Terms of Agreement, is likewise linked to the hardware of the computer or laptop device.
If a Windows 10 was physically purchased from an authorized Microsoft outlet, the product key can be found inside the Windows box, The buyer must register the product key with Microsoft via email. In return, Microsoft will send a confirmation email containing confirmation about the product key registration.
Use Cases When Modifying Computer Hardware Linked to a Product Key or License
If the computer in which a Windows OS was successfully installed called for a replacement of a hardware component, know beforehand that the program will not work. Mainly because the product key or digital license will not consider the new component as an acceptable hardware match.
As mentioned earlier, the user will have to buy a new Windows digital license if the OS will be installed in a different computer or if the computer’s hardware component was replaced. Actually, Windows product keys have become less functional ever since Microsoft introduced the digital license to simplify the program’s installation process.
However, Windows OS users cannot buy a digital license as a stand alone product because it’s part of a Windows Terms of Agreement covering a Windows 10 or 11 purchase.