-3

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad P51. Below are the specs:

Intel i7 7820HQ 16GB RAM 512 GB NVMe SSD Nvidia Quadro M1200 Intel HD 630

Currently, I'm on Windows 11. I updated through Windows 10 by changing the registry. My laptop has an OEM key which automatically activates Windows 10 and when I update to 11, it keeps it activated even though Windows 11 is not supported on my laptop.

Now my question is if I do a clean install of Windows 11 on my system using a USB, will it automatically fetch the key and activate it like it does for Windows 10? Is there a way to find the key through Command Prompt and use it to activate Windows 11?

Also right now I get regular updates: security and feature. If I do a clean install will I still be getting the updates or not?

Improve this question
8
  • could you check 'how' the system's activated? I usually search for system > activation - and include what's in the drop down?
    – Journeyman Geek ♦
    Commented Jun 6 at 8:29
  • Your system seems modern enough to have the key stored in UEFI/BIOS. Meaning that a clean install will use the same key and activate without problem.
    – Silbee
    Commented Jun 6 at 10:10
  • Check the readily available specs for a clean install. Then, yes, the system will activate automatically. The registry is NOT(NOT) needed to properly install or run Windows 11. If your system is not certified for WIndows 11, it will at some point not update.
    – anon
    Commented Jun 6 at 11:40
  • @JourneymanGeek It says Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. I did link my account much later on my Windows 11. Used to run on domain account.
    – Shaheryar0032
    Commented Jun 6 at 14:03
  • 1
    Then it should be fine, though there's a risk updates will break - not cause of activation, but of the 'hacks' used to bypass the feature checks failing. That said, a 7th gen should be supported, what're you missing, TPM?
    – Journeyman Geek ♦
    Commented Jun 6 at 14:23

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

The command to retrieve your Windows Product Key is:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

When doing a clean install, it's always a good idea to run this command first and storing your key somewhere safe so you can re-apply it if necessary.

Improve this answer
2
  • Glad the answer was what you were looking for. Please do take heed of what JourneymanGeek is saying though. Once you're happy with your Win11 build, use clonezilla to clone your functional Win11 system disk as a backup so you can restore back to your build at any time. Make sure all your important data is on an external HDD so it's safe. Win11 could stop functioning at any point via windows updates if any sort of bypass has been used to install it or continue using it. Good Luck!
    – Mastaxx
    Commented Jun 7 at 9:19
  • I'm fairly certain it'll work out of the box, so I'm confused why OP has hacks to get their system to work. But yeah, backing up a known good install feels like a good idea :D
    – Journeyman Geek ♦
    Commented Jun 9 at 13:56

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .