Requirements for Dell Windows 10 Activation

What are the requirements for Dell Windows 10 activation?

The digital entitlement ties the Windows 10 license to the Dell system hardware configuration. After activating with the original Dell Windows 10 OEM digital entitlement, the same version of Windows 10 can be reinstalled on the system later without a need for a product key. During the activation process, the hardware ID and the digital entitlement are registered with the Microsoft Account of the system.

On any reinstallation using Dell OEM media or Microsoft created media of the same Windows 10 version, Windows will activate when the system is associated with the Microsoft Account.

If the Dell OEM image is never activated and a non-Dell Windows 10 image is installed, Windows will not activate.

If the motherboard is replaced, activation no longer works.

In case of Windows 10 motherboard replacement scenarios, Dell will also ship a printed Windows 8 Home or PRO digital product key (DPK) to allow Windows activation with the replacement motherboard hardware. No separate DPK for Windows 10 will be available.

OEM versions of Windows 10 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

• OEM versions require an active internet connection that can reach the Microsoft network (Reference to Step 3 ) for product activation.
  • If your organization operates on a closed network, please contact your account team to discuss the benefits of a Volume Licensing (VLA) solution from Dell.
• OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
• OEM licenses are tied to the computer Windows 10 is installed and activated on
• OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different motherboard
• OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Additional Reference:

• Microsoft Reimaging Debrief (OEM and VLA)
• Validating the OEM activation key in Windows 10 (build 1703) and later builds
• Windows 10 OEM License Terms
• Activation in Windows 10
• Using the Activation troubleshooter

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• Windows 10 activation troubleshooter
• Windows Product Key: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Windows 10 Activation Error Code 0xC004C008
• Activating Windows After the Motherboard Has Been Replaced