Licence question.

BarryGuff said:

@telepro21: It's interesting (or concerning?) that my partial product key is the same as yours ("3V66T"). Attached is my screenshot.

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@BarryGuff The partial key shown being the same is not a problem. This is a generic key used to load Windows and expects later activation via your account information on Microsoft servers. Here is an article that describes the generic Windows Keys: Generic Product Keys to Install or Upgrade Windows 11 Editions

telepro21 said:

From an elevated Command Prompt, (Run as Administrator), execute the following command: slmgr /dli
After execution, a pop-up dialog box will show you exactly the type of license you have. For example, my result is attached. Depending on what your result states, you can then choose which direction to go for Activation or a new license. NOTE: A license that returns the result RETAIL, is one that is typically purchased direct from Microsoft, as mine was when I built my PC.

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There is a difference between digital licensing and volume licensing, A digital licence is an OEM or retail key with unlimited activation. A volume licence - typically a MAK key - KMS keys are rarer - is a key with a set number of activations. The former are Home/Pro. The latter are Enterprise/Education and LTSC.

telepro21 said:

@BarryGuff The partial key shown being the same is not a problem. This is a generic key used to load Windows and expects later activation via your account information on Microsoft servers. Here is an article that describes the generic Windows Keys: Generic Product Keys to Install or Upgrade Windows 11 Editions

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Generic keys are for evaluation/testing. If you want a permanent licence, you must buy one from a legitimate third party reseller.

telepro21 said:

From an elevated Command Prompt, (Run as Administrator), execute the following command: slmgr /dli
After execution, a pop-up dialog box will show you exactly the type of license you have. For example, my result is attached. Depending on what your result states, you can then choose which direction to go for Activation or a new license. NOTE: A license that returns the result RETAIL, is one that is typically purchased direct from Microsoft, as mine was when I built my PC.

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I bet the reply will be it is a volume key. Since OEM keys are normally given with a new PC, the only genuine option that doesn't violate the EULA is to buy a retail key which as you imagine is very expensive. So, let's go to plan B. Buy a genuine key that is OEM. Yes, I am aware that EULA says it should be installed on same brand PC, but if the OP is willing to be legit and doesn't mind it should cost a fraction of the retail key and still be genuine. And like I said before, it is much preferable to do that than use the illegal tools to activate a volume key. The choice is his. And before start flaming me about suggesting to "bend" the rules, "let the non-sinner cast the first stone". You want me to believe that you were never tempted to use your old HP/Dell whatever Windows key on your newer computer? That you didn't try to use it to activate Windows 10 on a new PC? I hardly believe that the thought never crossed your mind.