Can I Have Multiple Windows 10 or Microsoft Office Keys On One Email Account?
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
Recently we were asked by someone if they could purchase an additional copy of Windows 10 and authenticate it with the same email (Microsoft Account) they registered another device on. While you'll find conflicting answers on the internet, the answer is yes. Here's the explanation.
The reason for the confusion is that older versions of Windows were tied to your hardware. If you changed your hardware too many times, Windows would assume that it's a different computer and you'd have to reactivate. Windows 10, on the other hand, will tie your key to your Microsoft Account. Both still activate with Microsoft Activation servers.
We've talked to numerous people who have had as many as ten licenses tied to one Microsoft Account. Microsoft has realized that many Windows 10 users, especially small businesses, have multiple computers and don't want to register a second email to activate Windows 10.
Another interesting note is that you can install Windows 10 without a product key with two limitations:
1: Watermark - In the lower-right corner of your screen, you will see the words Activate windows. Microsoft makes it very easy to buy a digital license key.
2: Personalization - Windows 10 locks all of the personalization settings including Themes, Background, Colors, Lock Screen, Themes, Fonts, Start Menu, and Taskbar.
You can even easily delete a key from one computer and move it to another; something that was near impossible years ago. See below for similar articles that cover this, and much more.
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How-to Transfer Your Windows 10 License to Another Computer
Will Windows 10 Receive Windows Updates if It's Not Activated?
Your Windows License Will Expire Soon
Windows 10 Setup Has Failed to Validate the Product Key
How to Reactivate Windows 10
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The reason for the confusion is that older versions of Windows were tied to your hardware. If you changed your hardware too many times, Windows would assume that it's a different computer and you'd have to reactivate. Windows 10, on the other hand, will tie your key to your Microsoft Account. Both still activate with Microsoft Activation servers.
We've talked to numerous people who have had as many as ten licenses tied to one Microsoft Account. Microsoft has realized that many Windows 10 users, especially small businesses, have multiple computers and don't want to register a second email to activate Windows 10.
Another interesting note is that you can install Windows 10 without a product key with two limitations:
1: Watermark - In the lower-right corner of your screen, you will see the words Activate windows. Microsoft makes it very easy to buy a digital license key.
2: Personalization - Windows 10 locks all of the personalization settings including Themes, Background, Colors, Lock Screen, Themes, Fonts, Start Menu, and Taskbar.
You can even easily delete a key from one computer and move it to another; something that was near impossible years ago. See below for similar articles that cover this, and much more.
Similar:
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