windows cannot read the product key setting

If you started with Win7 Pro or Ultimate, or Win8.1 Pro or Pro for Students, you should install Windows 10 Pro. If you started with Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium, or Windows 8.1 (standard, usually called Home), you should install Windows 10 Home. Second, make sure you have the right upgrade: 32-bit for 32-bit machines, 64-bit for most. If possible, consider turning off Wi-Fi and plugging into a router with a LAN cable (that worked for me). Yank that external hard drive, disconnect peripherals that aren’t absolutely necessary, including extra monitors, smart card readers, weird keyboards, whatever. Installer hangs for hours or reboots continuouslyįirst, make sure you’ve disconnected any nonessential hardware: Unplug all hard drives other than the C: drive. If you get repeated prompts, see the section below on Activation problems. Chances are very good that Windows will recognize the error of its ways and not bother you again, although it may take a couple of days for the activation routine to figure it out. Don’t bother trying to find a Windows 10 key.

Further reading: The best Windows 10 tips, tricks, and tweaks The prime directive: If you’re prompted for a product key but don’t have one, don’t sweat itĪssuming you’re upgrading from a “genuine” Windows 7 or 8.1 machine, if you’re prompted for a Win10 key, click Skip, Do This Later, or Next (depending on the dialog box).

Windows cannot read the product key setting