Can you activate Windows 11 with a Windows XP key?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
  • Hello, my friends! Let's hit 20K likes? Check out my website! enderman.ch
    Today I am going to show you whether it's possible to activate Windows 11 with a Windows XP product key or not.
    Still got questions? Don't hesitate, send them to contact@enderman.ch!
    Hope you have a great day!
    #endermanch #experiments #windows

ความคิดเห็น • 1.3K

  • @LucidTownn
    @LucidTownn ปีที่แล้ว +523

    Windows: What was your childhood nickname?
    Andrew: 3

  • @wiger_
    @wiger_ ปีที่แล้ว +761

    i think this is how activation works:
    1. you input a key
    2. it checks it against a local algorithm
    3. if it passes that algorithm it will send it to the server
    4. the server then checks if it's a valid key
    that would explain why the windows 98 key was rejected instantly (the algorithm changed) but the windows xp key took a couple of seconds
    again, i don't know how it really works, it's just a guess

    • @ejazali4
      @ejazali4 ปีที่แล้ว +43

      i believe that is exactly what happens, beat me to it!

    • @yakov5776
      @yakov5776 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      It probably took long because it ratelimited after an attempt of multiple negatives, most likely would've failed the same as all the others.

    • @michaelepica3564
      @michaelepica3564 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@yakov5776 hmmmmm

    • @ejazali4
      @ejazali4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@yakov5776 That could be a possibility, but the 95 requests came back scarily instantly. As for the rate-limit, a product key's validity status isn't something that wouldn't change much - so Microsoft would probably be caching this at Akamai (probably), meaning that MSFT's servers only actually received two real lookup requests.

    • @ejazali4
      @ejazali4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      but I know that my theory is incorrect as the Windows XP requests after the first one should have been instant too

  • @MSWinNT
    @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +1230

    It's funny how MS can still let you activate 11 with a Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 key, this shows even more that windows never changes.

    • @Palkia8-Bit
      @Palkia8-Bit ปีที่แล้ว +41

      They really that lazy

    • @sebestein09
      @sebestein09 ปีที่แล้ว +124

      @@Palkia8-Bit The codes are reused , not them being lazy. A code is always random numbers and letters and it may repeat.

    • @Palkia8-Bit
      @Palkia8-Bit ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@sebestein09 ???
      And look at the rest of the OS, and you’re saying that’s not lazy

    • @MSWinNT
      @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +72

      @@sebestein09 they have changed the activation system before for 8, and 8.1, but there was an upgrade thing for windows 10 for free back in 2015 and 2016 for a year, it allowed Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 keys, and for some embedded versions of XP, (including x64-bit) then there is a windows 11 upgrade assistant which uses Windows 10 keys, so that would explain why it still uses old versions of windows keys. But that does not mean it is reused, ms is a multi billion dollar company, with professional teams. That company has a passion for money, duh, so the first thing they would change the product activation.

    • @SkyyySi
      @SkyyySi ปีที่แล้ว +61

      @@sebestein09 You actually think that this code is just coincidentally also valid in 11? No, it is not. With a 25 digit alphanumeric key, there is basically infinite. If they only take uppercase and numbers (36 possible characters), it's 808281277464764060643139600456536293376 ( (26+10)^25 ) possible keys. If they also use lowercase letters (62 possible letters), it's 645345427773512447880377451634304602899218432 ( (26*2+10)^25 ) possible keys.
      Windows 7 keys work on 11 because Microsoft wants it that way.

  • @Sophron.
    @Sophron. ปีที่แล้ว +584

    Actually you can activate modern Windows versions (8, 8.1, 10, 11) with Win 7 key, it can be also OEM key though, but not all keys works

    • @velwark
      @velwark ปีที่แล้ว +31

      Not Quite Right. You can't Activate Windows 8(.1) with an Windows 7 Key.

    • @outrowed
      @outrowed ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Retail key (key you buy in a box for around $100) will always work, at least for me.

    • @thefallenwarrior4349
      @thefallenwarrior4349 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      It has to be the same edition of windows for the key to work. You can't activate a a Windows Pro install with a Windows Home key. And because most people used Windows 7 Starter, they can't use those keys anymore, since Win10/11 don't have Starter editions.

    • @JPX64Channel
      @JPX64Channel ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@thefallenwarrior4349 well i just used an oem windows 7 ultimate key from my laptop to activate windows 10 in a pc, and i used linux in that laptop instead

    • @velwark
      @velwark ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@thefallenwarrior4349 Okay, I will try that later, but as far as i know, none of the Windows 7 Keys I had worked.

  • @j0hnf_uk
    @j0hnf_uk ปีที่แล้ว +102

    There was a time when Microsoft only allowed users to downgrade to a maximum of 2 previous versions of Windows. Back when Vista first came out, unsurprisingly, most users wanted XP on their machines and this could be done, easily. The same applied to Windows 7, for those who still wanted XP. When Windows 8 came out, the oldest version that could be downgraded to was Vista, but most chose 7 instead. They relaxed that stipulation when 8.1 came out, it would seem, and have been allowing users to upgrade to newer versions ever since.

    • @Galaxy.Windows
      @Galaxy.Windows 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Vista is the best Windows version of all time. its sad to see that program support for it is going away. not too sad for Windows 7

    • @christopherleubner6633
      @christopherleubner6633 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yup XP and 7 were the two best ones ime. Vista and 8 were horrible..😮

  • @IceBotYT
    @IceBotYT ปีที่แล้ว +1337

    I don’t know. Can you?
    Edit: I’m sorry that this is the most liked comment

  • @Q0AL62
    @Q0AL62 ปีที่แล้ว +382

    windows 7 can be activated with an XP key so if you upgrade from XP to 7 then to 11 you have technically activated windows 11 with a windows XP key

    • @MSWinNT
      @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Nope, it cannot be activates from any older versions of windows

    • @koopatroopa6882
      @koopatroopa6882 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Wait, how do you upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7?

    • @shadowthefurryscientist
      @shadowthefurryscientist ปีที่แล้ว +50

      @@koopatroopa6882 upgrade from XP to Vista, then Vista to 7 i think

    • @uni6002-CSM
      @uni6002-CSM ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@koopatroopa6882 when upgrading,there will be no product key installed,so that XP Key gets rejected

    • @alfonsojon1997
      @alfonsojon1997 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You cannot upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7

  • @angieandretti
    @angieandretti ปีที่แล้ว +51

    I've activated Win10 installs with Win7 keys plenty of times, so I'm not surprised that it works for 11 as well. After all, 10 was offered as a free upgrade from 7 and 11 is offered as a free upgrade from 10, so if you had a Win7 machine that you free-upgraded to 10, and now it somehow magically passed hardware validation for 11... well it makes sense to me that it works from a key perspective since the upgrade path exists - even though I doubt any PC was ever sold with Win7 that actually has new enough hardware to pass the upgrade validation for 11. There are still ways to do it though, of course.

    • @freevbucks8019
      @freevbucks8019 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Just use Linux at this point

    • @guidelamp4025
      @guidelamp4025 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It's very possible someone with a retail copy of Windows 7 built a PC back in the day and then gradually upgraded their hardware throughout the years while reactivating Windows and moving onto the next edition.

  • @petertrex
    @petertrex ปีที่แล้ว +153

    So here 's my story.
    I upgraded to vista from XP then to 7 and it kept the product key. then to 8, 8.1, and even WIndows10 I used the same key despite all the upgrade I have done is those times.
    and I'm actually using windows 11 with same key as XP because it was registered as key of WIndows7,8,8.1, and 10's key at some point, so it really worked.
    So I never paid for Windows after XP lol
    *added* I forgot to mention vista, and I used phone activation glitch thing which should have changed my key but it stayed the same somehow. so I don't think this is re-doable now because MS patched the glitch soon (it came back on early stage of Win10 when you could activate WIndows by just making a call completely free)

    • @koopatroopa6882
      @koopatroopa6882 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Wait, how do you upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7?

    • @tallpaul9475
      @tallpaul9475 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      How did you get the Windows 7 Upgrade for free? Did you download ISO file to bypass paying for it?

    • @Austeja608
      @Austeja608 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@koopatroopa6882 maybe he forgot vista

    • @Rodrigo-ks6oc
      @Rodrigo-ks6oc ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Wrong
      You can't upgrade from XP to 11.
      Even if you go
      XP - Vista - 7 - 8 - 8.1 - 10
      The Windows 10 install will still be 32bit
      And Windows 11 is 64bit only

    • @truesyner2009
      @truesyner2009 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Rodrigo-ks6oc If you link your key to a Microsoft Account, you can still use that key in a different PC. Just sign in with a Microsoft Account on Win 8.1 (ig) or 10 then just log in with the same account on a new PC that supports Win 11. Simple bro.

  • @Foxtrot200
    @Foxtrot200 ปีที่แล้ว +193

    I just want to acknowledge that you said, "rate the video," and not "leave a like." As I understand, dislikes aren't entirely negative in terms of engagement and I appreciate that you recognize that. I found this video interesting, especially since you explored multiple levels of activation keys. Personally, this is useful because I _may_ be able to use my OG Win7 Home Premium key to activate a Win11 instance should I need to drastically upgrade my system. In any case, thanks for the video!

  • @Boxuga
    @Boxuga ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Hey Enderman, I have used a windows 8 pro key on windows 11 and it works just fine. I believe it because when they were forcing people to update to windows 10 with annoying popups. they added code to windows 10 to look at 7/8 product key databases. They either did not care to change this later and kept in their code or just did it so people would keep updating.
    also, with Windows XP/98 keys windows 11 could maybe of parsed the 98 keys threw something maybe a character was not supposed to be in it. Windows XP system may have been very similar to windows 11. so, the characters were not banned so it parsed it over to a key database probably stored at Microsoft somewhere.

    • @MGmirkin
      @MGmirkin ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, valid 7, 8, 8.1 keys should all work for 10+ installs, since Win10 pushed "free upgrades" for all OSes back to Win7 (including Win8/8.1). Basically, anything with a valid Win7/8/8.1 key would "validate"/"activate." Which is why you can still activate Windows 10 when installing via Media Creation Tool from a machine with Win7/8/8.1 via in in-place upgrade. After which point it links the machine hardware [and Microsoft account, if any] to the Win10 Digital License, and it will allow you to reinstall Win10 on that machine clean, and just say "I don't have a product key," and the activation server will still recognize the hardware and validate/activate it, since it was already activated/validated & associated with that hardware at least once previously.

  • @iSpeakpk
    @iSpeakpk ปีที่แล้ว

    I watch all your videos, they are amazing. I sent you an email for a virus review can you please check it :)

  • @josangoj78
    @josangoj78 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I found a Toshiba laptop on a trashcan, and it still got a Windows 7 OEM license sticker, with a perfectly readable product key. As it ran sluggish when I first managed to boot it, eventually I installed Windows 10 on it. Used the product key from that sticker on a fresh install, and although it took a bit or time to grab it, it finally activated without any hassles!!! Still running like a champ one year later!!!

  • @gamecuber6
    @gamecuber6 ปีที่แล้ว +293

    Wait... does that mean i can activate 7 with a 11 key?!

    • @kyoudaiken
      @kyoudaiken ปีที่แล้ว +44

      Yes. Even with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 keys.

    • @velja1312
      @velja1312 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I don't think you can activate Windows 7 with Windows 11 key. However, you can try with one from e-bay, but the chances are that sellers are selling old keys (presumably from business laptops/rigs) that work with any system newer than the one that was installed on that specific rig.

    • @stefanmuller12322
      @stefanmuller12322 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      No this is the True 😅😊 Aber du kannst Windows 11 mit einen einem Windows 7 key aktivirn

    • @a_nicegaming
      @a_nicegaming ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Does that mean when windows 12 activates i can activate windows 7 with a windows 12 product key ?

    • @SOS_Studios
      @SOS_Studios ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@kyoudaiken what about Vista?

  • @gentlepersuader
    @gentlepersuader ปีที่แล้ว +11

    A lot of people don't understand the Windows licencing model. That $50 eBay version is probably a leaked volume licence copy that is sold as a bootleg version. Windows has retail licencing, OEM and volume including MAK (multiple activation key) and KMS (key management services) and others I can't recall right now. Most of these are not interchangeable. For instance, just the other day I loaded a Win 10 Pro for a client using one of my volume licence copies as it was quicker to install from thumb drive. The client had an OEM (genuine) Win 10 Pro licence card and DVD but her single use OEM key wouldn't activate my volume licence install. Installing the version that came on the DVD did however work of course.
    In the volume licence world there are Windows versions from Microsoft's volume licence web portal including Windows N, Windows KN (uses the KMS licence) and others. It really is a complex model that I still don't fully understand decades later.
    I work with many Government funded organisations and they typically all use a form a multiple activations from a single key. It is often these types of licences that end up on the black market as a single key can be used hundreds or even thousands of times. Often Microsoft will blacklist a leaked key and your cheap online copy you purchased won't subsequently activate. This is why the vendor will often just provide another key as they probably have many themselves.
    Interesting video nonetheless.

    • @paradiselost9946
      @paradiselost9946 ปีที่แล้ว

      ive always made it a habit to jot down the key, os, and version whenever i see it on a machine in a junkpile... very handy to have.

  • @321sas
    @321sas ปีที่แล้ว +26

    The fact that the key is censored with “Subscribe or I’ll bite you” 😂

    • @sksksksksksksksksksksksksksksk
      @sksksksksksksksksksksksksksksk ปีที่แล้ว +3

      no thats the key

    • @321sas
      @321sas ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sksksksksksksksksksksksksksksk bruh wrong

    • @xnike9004
      @xnike9004 ปีที่แล้ว

      you're so wrong that's the key!

    • @321sas
      @321sas ปีที่แล้ว

      nope it
      s a joke@@xnike9004

    • @SimplyFrog12
      @SimplyFrog12 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      is that the bite of 87?!??!?!?

  • @-_.-_.-_.-_.-_.-_.
    @-_.-_.-_.-_.-_.-_. ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Truly apprecating you man, you are spending $$$$ for getting the original boxes for showing us good content.
    I really want these xp,win7 boxes too, so expensive..

  • @kildozer2012
    @kildozer2012 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I've been in the recycling service for a few years now and have gathered a collection of W7 pro keys from recycled computers that I give away or use on personal machines, I still remember finding out that you could use them to activate W10. The people that I give them to are always skeptical on weather or not it will work but always thank me when they realize that it did work, saving them $200 or if you want to go really cheap you can get retail single use keys for as low as $6

    • @TankerLover69
      @TankerLover69 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cool thing called data mining from cheap keys:

    • @prysp
      @prysp 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Isn’t it interesting that people just decide to toss away their old PC hardware without even thinking once that the software keys are reusable.
      By the way, would you lend me one for free... 😘

    • @kildozer2012
      @kildozer2012 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@prysp Sending you a DM on discord

  • @khaliil12mm
    @khaliil12mm ปีที่แล้ว +8

    windows: what's your childhood nickname? enderman: my childhood nickname is 3

  • @lukeb7954
    @lukeb7954 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Enderman's videos are just getting better and better

    • @ltxr9973
      @ltxr9973 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      definitely. Very talented guy and the presentation is getting better and better.

  • @kFY514
    @kFY514 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Just another tip: if you set up a local account _without_ a password, and add a password later through Settings instead, it won't force you to set the recovery questions.

  • @andresbravo2003
    @andresbravo2003 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    “Can you activate Windows 11 with a Windows XP Key?”
    Me: “Wait, that’s illegal.”

    • @KrystPl
      @KrystPl 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Vsauce: or is it?

  • @Archmage1809
    @Archmage1809 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A lot of you guys might know, W7 and W8 keys are the reason why HWID activation works. Technically they use a bug in Microsoft system, and if Microsoft fixes that, all of the W7 and W8 keys are gone.
    Because M$ already promised that W7 and W8 keys will work on W10 as free upgrade, they probably won't fix that bug, so, free windows activation for people who know about this.

  • @damienf15
    @damienf15 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You and Michael MJD are my favorite tech channels ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

  • @MaleShaho-sv3bh
    @MaleShaho-sv3bh 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Finally I got windows from keyr (Make sure to include the dot (.) between "keyr" and "org")
    I like some of the transitions, but sometimes they're a bit too much and are seemingly random. Since we use these persistent elements that transition across pages to indicate some kind of relationship between the previous and the next states, some of your transitions confuse me because I can't immediately see what the relationship is.
    For example 2:23 of the selectable tiles (which weren't selected) transition into being two switches... does that mean anything? are they related in some way? I see this as random and a bad use of the design language. However, at 1:14 I like the transition from switches to the ticks on a paper, that makes sense to me. Epic presentation tho

  • @djnikdee6224
    @djnikdee6224 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I truly believe it worked because that key was never used in any system and has been openly available . It might have worked on a windows 10 system as well as a first time ever used key. But this has been great to see .

  • @GTAIVisbest
    @GTAIVisbest ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I'm really really happy you swapped from just having music, to doing a voice-over. Your english is great, so much better than other ESL youtubers. Thank you so much, I can finally listen to these hella interesting videos while I work out

    • @JuandiSanchez-tp5rf
      @JuandiSanchez-tp5rf 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Couldn't agree more. Especially for a Russian person his English is excellent.

  • @DezsikeDevil1
    @DezsikeDevil1 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have my Windows 10 activated with my old Windows 7 key I got for free by my University on launch day (of Win 7). I used Win 7 on a 2008 PC until end of support, when that PC's motherboard broke. So I built a completely new, modern one in May 2020, installed Win 10, input my old Win 7 key and it still works perfectly. It didn't let me activate another copy of Win 7 on a different PC but with Win 10 it worked. So you most probably can still activate Win 7 with that key (assuming activation servers are working) but not Win 10/11.

    • @fredskronk
      @fredskronk ปีที่แล้ว

      I activated a virtual win xp a couple of years ago. Had a real key so why not?
      Online activation was down but a phone activation worked great!

  • @ejazali4
    @ejazali4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    In some instances, you can active windows while you're offline, try that with a Windows XP product key.

    • @MSWinNT
      @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Actually he can't, check my reply in my comment, cause now I can't be bothered to type the full explanation, but I'll only say this, if he bought the Windows embedded posready 2009 key and applied it on windows 11 iot, it would most likely, despite the edition, as long as it's Windows 11 iot, cause that is the embedded version of windows 11.

  • @Sb129
    @Sb129 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I already knew the Win7 key would work, it only makes sense since when Win10 first came out you were able to directly upgrade to 10 for free. Plus, I've done this already long ago with Win10 on a few systems and I would have suspected 11 worked if 10 did.

  • @optimusdodo9593
    @optimusdodo9593 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I used a 15year old CD key I had laying around from a late 2000s HP to activate my windows 11 on my Steam Deck.

    • @clouds661
      @clouds661 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      why would you put windows on a steam deck. keep it on SteamOS Linux

    • @purplevibee32
      @purplevibee32 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@clouds661 because its his

    • @clouds661
      @clouds661 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@purplevibee32 ok but why. Most games i can think of run just fine and windows has so many problems on the deck. driver issues and stuff. valve is making that better but what's the point. What are you getting out of installing Windows, a spyware-ridden slow-ass peice of absolute garbage. even ME was better than 11

    • @berthold64
      @berthold64 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@clouds661 windows has better battery management, simple as that

    • @optimusdodo9593
      @optimusdodo9593 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@clouds661 because I break Linux just by looking at it.

  • @windowsvista3193
    @windowsvista3193 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Try windows vista because it is basically windows 7

  • @thebyzocker
    @thebyzocker ปีที่แล้ว +3

    that is REALLY interesting as you can find tons of windows 7 keys on the internet just lying around... even upgrading from home to pro with an ultimate key i found in a 1 minute google search worked in my vm? wtf

  • @ColdFlameEcosystem
    @ColdFlameEcosystem ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Once switched to linux, we will never see windows back again

    • @pafik_
      @pafik_ 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Nah, I was forced to try Linux once and I just installed windows back as soon as I could

    • @ErraticPT
      @ErraticPT 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Only when Linux becomes remotely average user friendly instead of actively user hostile.
      You got more chance of half the world suddenly deciding to speak nothing but latin, i.e. probably never.

    • @GoogleDoesEvil
      @GoogleDoesEvil 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ErraticPT That will never happen. Even when Unix was a commercial product the people that used it were actively hostile to users.

  • @InfopeAlese
    @InfopeAlese ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The knife with he cut the box for Windows 7 is... Interesting

    • @KrystPl
      @KrystPl 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      yeah it looks wacky, for example it looks like the top of an S but reversed.

  • @dieguix
    @dieguix ปีที่แล้ว +4

    8:55 I thought exactly that you explained about the Windows 11 activation with a Windows 7 product key, there´s a video from NTDEV channel making an upgrade from windows 7 to 11 directly (modifing the ISO) , keeping everything (i thought, maybe this include the windows license), i made this experiment on a virtual machine with a activated copy of windows 7 to upgrade to 11 and yep, it works, i kept all and my activation of windows, and this applies for Windows 8/8.1, too. So yes, it´s not a sorprise, we can activate windows 10 or 11 using a windows 7 or 8 product key. Interesting video and experiment.👍🏼

  • @ThePrinzKassad
    @ThePrinzKassad ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "You need to activate Windows before you can personalize *OUR* computer" 😂😂😂
    What Micro$oft would also tell you ^^

  • @pugzgamez8891
    @pugzgamez8891 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Why are you asking me-

  • @MrAeral
    @MrAeral ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I really liked this video. This just shows us that windows is never changes, it's just have a one kernel and every 5 years they are changing the design 💀. But this is really groudbreaking! I love it. Keep going with these videos, they are amazing!

    • @youravghuman5231
      @youravghuman5231 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That goes for every os. No one gonna write a code from scratch just for other version. Everything is just an updated version.

  • @moonlover5544
    @moonlover5544 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You can re-use a Windows product key (Or alteast I think so.), I have a photo of my laptop's Windows 10 product key, and I sometimes use it for my VM Windows 10 setups. May not work for earlier versions, depends.

  • @portableappsbyjeder
    @portableappsbyjeder ปีที่แล้ว +3

    If you use your win7 key to activate win 10 or 11, yes, you can activate win7.
    With Win 7 key you can activate Win 8, 8.1, 10, 11, no matter it was OEM or Box version. Also you can activate new win version with Retail keys.
    One note - don't use same key on different win/PCs at one time.
    Win 7-11 has same activation service method.

    • @Ragnar8504
      @Ragnar8504 ปีที่แล้ว

      THe one thing that doesn't seem to work is 7 Upgrade keys. I once had a crappy laptop with a Vista key and a 7 Upgrade key stuck to the bottom and neither would work on Windows 10. OEM keys work for activating Win 10 but I haven't managed to download anything from Microsoft using one of them.

  • @ZakTDuck
    @ZakTDuck ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Could the reason why the XP key failed is because of it being a 32 bit version whereas Windows 11 would be expecting a valid 64 bit version key? I would be interested in seeing a follow up if the same were to happen with XP x64 edition (and/or Server 2003) as well as maybe Vista/Server 2008 x64 editions.

    • @willgallatin2802
      @willgallatin2802 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      both 32 and 64 came on the disk for XP PRO. No joy there either.

    • @MGmirkin
      @MGmirkin ปีที่แล้ว

      The reason the XP key didn't work is because it was a key from an OS prior to Windows 7. Period. Vista [presumably] also would not have worked.
      When Win10 was released, Win7, 8, 8,1 were all allowed to be upgraded to Win10 for free. Meaning all the retail home/pro keys [and presumably OEM keys, or whatnot] made for those OSes were basically "grandfathered in" to the activation process on the activation server, and would "validate" and would then generate an associated Win10 Digital License, associated with that computer's hardware (and Microsoft Account, if one was active / logged in and associated with it).
      Vista, XP, Me, 98Se, 98, 95a/b were never part of the "free upgrade" program. So their license keys, presumably were "grandfathered in" on the activation server. Hence, they wouldn't validate. If he'd used a Vista disc, and it failed to validate, well, that'd pretty much be your proof. XP/Vista, no. 7/8/8.1, yes.
      When the "free upgrade" period ended, Microsoft **should have** turned off the ability to activate using old keys ... but they didn't. So, you've basically always been able to use the media creation tool to either do an in-place upgrade on a Win7/8/8.1 machine, or else a clean install and then enter the valid Win7/8/8.1 key post-clean-install, and validation would simply work. Had they wanted to they could have recoded the activation server to kick back with an error "free upgrade period has ended" when trying to validate a machine / key that hadn't been upgraded during the "free" period. But they apparently never did. So, even though you're technically "not supposed to be able to," Microsoft never really enforced the "end" of the "free upgrade" program on the activation server side.
      IMO, it was low-key intentional to ignore people who took advantage, 'cause it got them off older less secure machines and onto the new Windows OS, Windows Update treadmill, and into the Microsoft Store ecosystem, where they could potentially sell people software-as-a-service and make more money. So, it really makes sense to just ignore the putative "piracy" as a "loss leader" and get them into the updated ecosystem, buying new software, hardware that's compatible with it [making hardware vendors happy], etc.
      Could they go back and sue 1/10th of their Win10 install base for "piracy"? Yeah, probably. Would they ever recover from the bad press? Maybe, maybe not... IMO, the good [read: potential profits] of leaving it de facto "free" and not pursuing action against folks who picked up "free upgrades" in violation of the EULA / TOS, outweighs any negatives of missing a "sale" of the OS...

  • @chrismcgraw3399
    @chrismcgraw3399 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you can use use xp key to activate windows 7 or vista then upgrade to windows 8 /10 then 11? i already know you can upgrade from win3.1 up to windows 7 but can it actually go up to windows 11? That i'm not sure but it would be nice to try and see .

    • @thatwindowsxpfan1234
      @thatwindowsxpfan1234 ปีที่แล้ว

      unfortunaltey, windows 10 and onwards doesn't like the "Programs and users" folder that is made.

  • @uranium5694
    @uranium5694 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What about Vista? Can you use a Windows Vista key to activate Windows 10/11?

  • @greenlemon6838
    @greenlemon6838 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What bout downloading earlier builds of windows so you can upgrade from an earlier windows system and slowly make way up to windows 11 ?

  • @nathanyellowstarthegoanimator
    @nathanyellowstarthegoanimator ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Windows 98 keys will not work. Because it's Windows 9x
    Window 7 until Windows 10 Keys will work because they are Windows NT
    Edit : Windows XP Fails because it's not a part of the Windows Vsta ERA. Modern Windows is All based in Windows Vista and even if they jumped to NT 10.0, Windows 10 and 11 are just Vista with features

    • @MSWinNT
      @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dude, this is 100% fake, Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 Beta have the same major kernal, but not the same minor kernal, service pack, updates, and branch, stop spreading false info, Windows 10 use 6.3 kernal in some areas, but is overall 10.0.

    • @nathanyellowstarthegoanimator
      @nathanyellowstarthegoanimator ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MSWinNT I see that Windows 7's is 6.1, Windows 8 being 6.2, Windows 8.1 being 6.3 and Windows 10 being 10.0. Starting Windows 11 it still use 10.0. however some areas still bear 6.3 and most is 10.0

    • @MSWinNT
      @MSWinNT ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I can't be bothered to tell the reason why those keys work, just go to my comment, check my new reply to understand it, but I will tell you this, take my word for it, regular xp keys won't work, but embedded would work, check why on my reply in my comment.

  • @TechNerd22
    @TechNerd22 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What about Windows Vista? Would you be able to activate 11 with a Vista key?

  • @LAST_V
    @LAST_V ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What if you activate a windows 98 then upgrade to xp then to 7-8-8.1-10 and 11?

  • @tucker21222
    @tucker21222 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Definitely a great video But I don't think That upgrading every computer To even Windows 10 Even though Windows 10 is good It's a great idea I think You should always Think about your hardware And how powerful it is And you should always think about it What you want to do with your hardware Some operating systems work better than others I think it's all Dependent On What works for you And what works for your hardware

  • @nmindovskiy
    @nmindovskiy ปีที่แล้ว +4

    эндер, когда видос на русском языке?, я конечно все и так понимаю на английском , но хотелось бы русскоязычное видео или отдельный русскоязычный канал для тех, кто английский не понимает. ролики у тебя познавательные и интересные, иногда я даже новое узнаю

  • @A7mad3109
    @A7mad3109 ปีที่แล้ว

    I haven't watched your videos in a while, now that I'm back I realize you talk in your videos, AMAZING!
    For some reason that weird youtube thing unsubbed me but idgaf and I re subbed :D

  • @bsaednnmgointuvtjstairhvrqujnb
    @bsaednnmgointuvtjstairhvrqujnb ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That's great to know! I knew it would work since Microsoft wants its users to migrate to Windows 10 then how you mentioned they made the same with Windows 11!

  • @TriegaDN
    @TriegaDN ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am still using windows 10 with the windows 7 key I purchased over a decade ago! I am on my third PC since that time. I actually felt pressured to switch to windows 10 pretty early because I was worried I wouldn't be able to use my windows 7 key for a windows 10 install in the future eventually. I liked windows 7 and I would have stuck up to end of life if I knew they would just keep that free upgrade deal going indefinitely!

  • @hanro50
    @hanro50 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I own a valid windows 8 Pro retail key. Yes you can activate windows 11 with it.
    I believe it still works because since Windows 10 can be activated with a 7, 8 and 8.1 key. Many less reputable market places started to sell 7, 8 and 8.1 keys as Windows 10 keys. I'd wager it would likely not work with Vista or any older versions of Windows.

  • @abo_9al7
    @abo_9al7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    1:38 “I love being responsible” saved you like 20 minutes you’re welcome

  • @tamoghnapal6619
    @tamoghnapal6619 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    FYI No that key won't get used up, microsoft just grants you a second digital license against that key on your microsoft account. I activated a Windows 10 copy with a Windows 8.1 key for my PC in 2018 (Upgraded it to 10). Later in 2020 I installed Windows 8.1 again in a seperate parition, and yes the original key worked. Now I have two OSes, windows 8.1 an 10 on a same PC using the same product key, and haven't recieved any activation failed errors.

    • @phamnguyenductin
      @phamnguyenductin ปีที่แล้ว

      The activation keys are tied to your hardware (more specifically your motherboard) and not the Windows version (7/8/10/11). So, as long as you're running the same hardware, the key will work.

  • @Clyde6790pYoutube
    @Clyde6790pYoutube ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh God, Enderman's activation code is "Subscribe or I will bite you".

  • @BlixeRemastered
    @BlixeRemastered ปีที่แล้ว

    That one kid: *enters 'Subscribe or ill bite you'* "Mum! I think your pc is gone!"

  • @fredskronk
    @fredskronk ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I started to use win 7 about a year before it was released. Sure. It was buggy during the beta periods but better than vista :)
    Then, when it got released I got an RTM key from work. Last time I used it was a few years ago and then for installing win 7 on an old laptop. Never struck me that I could use it for win 10.
    I got a few win 10 keys for a customers way back when it was new. One was never used so I kept it (with their permission). Still works fine. But maybe I should try the old win 7 RTM key next time :)

  • @thunderbolt10031
    @thunderbolt10031 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It really shouldn't be a surprise that 7 keys work. I upgraded from 7 Home Premium to 10 just last year and 10 kept 7's activation key in place with no fuss. It tossed me onto 10 Home and I went on with my day.

  • @that_one_idiotic_teamate
    @that_one_idiotic_teamate ปีที่แล้ว

    "Oi, Enderman"
    "?"
    "Which activation keys can I use for Win11?"
    "Yes"

  • @That_Son_Ofa_Itch
    @That_Son_Ofa_Itch ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It’s nice to know that if you buy a windows version and don’t use it. Or can’t afford the newest version that you can basically use that key eventually.
    Imagine if someone bought windows 8 and then didn’t use it because of some reason. Now years later their key still works but on windows 11. That would be a hella good look to them.
    It honestly makes windows look more like they care about customers than intended lmao

  • @hellohowareyall123
    @hellohowareyall123 ปีที่แล้ว

    -can you activate windows 11 with a windows xp key?
    -random bs
    -yes

  • @UEJacob
    @UEJacob ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got a question. Will your real personal Microsoft Account get banned for using the virtual machine?

  • @Niudento_mayrotastic_kompani
    @Niudento_mayrotastic_kompani 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    0:41 It's Michael MJD

  • @83n80y
    @83n80y ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I rate this video a thumb! Glad MS allows us to use these older keys to "actiwate" Windows 10 and 11. Just remember that a Home key will only activate Windows 10 or 11 Home. To "actiwate" Pro you'll need a Pro or Ultimate key. Now I want to go around "actiwating" my impression of Chekov from Star Trek TOS. 😁 Thanks for the vid!

  • @PinkAgaricus
    @PinkAgaricus ปีที่แล้ว

    lol That “Subscribe or I'll bite you” made me laugh.

  • @Qwerty-uiop
    @Qwerty-uiop ปีที่แล้ว +1

    1:38, I love being responsible

  • @Nieczytelny_official
    @Nieczytelny_official ปีที่แล้ว +1

    orginal title : trying to activate crappy windows 10 update with the orginal windows 10 key

  • @GamingWithRandT
    @GamingWithRandT ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Enderman has 1000000000000000 IQ + he’s cool + we’re both smart

  • @1992eylul
    @1992eylul ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Does the Windows 7 key have to be genuine?

  • @UrekGamer123
    @UrekGamer123 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1:34 you steal my grandma’s cimputer

  • @mikihd9135
    @mikihd9135 ปีที่แล้ว

    Microsoft : what is your childhood nickname?
    Andrew: 3

  • @ko83na
    @ko83na ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great video. i used also a win7 oem key on my old thinkpad to update it to win10. worked without a problem. i wonder if you could also use a vista key ... because 7 was an update to vista... and vista an update to xp... perhaps it is possible to activate them after each other ^^

  • @tieradlerch.217
    @tieradlerch.217 ปีที่แล้ว

    The laptop monitor blitz when you throw the Windows 7 packaging lmao

  • @asdfghjklnqwerty
    @asdfghjklnqwerty ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A really intriguing question, must say.

  • @ShaggyCZ
    @ShaggyCZ 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A good way to get product keys: Buying older pre-built computers and trying the keys on their stickers

  • @Thatguy101987
    @Thatguy101987 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Not surprised Windows 7 works. I had a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate, that I upgraded to 10 in 2015, and just updated to 11. Never had to activate it once the update was complete.

  • @Zinkolo
    @Zinkolo ปีที่แล้ว +1

    YES! COMMENTARY! I SUBSCRIBE FOR THESE GEMS

  • @HelloKittyFanMan
    @HelloKittyFanMan ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow, I had no idea that you could activate one version of Windows with that of another, but cool to see that 7's can activate 11!

  • @ImaginingScratcher-te6yj
    @ImaginingScratcher-te6yj ปีที่แล้ว

    3:36
    Setup: What was your first pet's name?
    Enderman: *1*

  • @millenniumedition
    @millenniumedition ปีที่แล้ว

    The "Subscribe or I'll bite you edit is soooo clean

  • @Jurtaani
    @Jurtaani ปีที่แล้ว +1

    one bizarre way i could think to activate Windows 11 pro would be with the Windows 8 Media center pack.
    initially Windows 8 didn't come with Windows media center anymore, but they sold separate activation keys for people with Windows 8.
    this key on it's own would be enough to activate Windows 10 or 11 pro versions.

  • @ZipplyZane
    @ZipplyZane ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It makes sense to me for it to only work for Windows 7 and up, since Windows 10 was a free upgrade for those versions, and Windows 11 was a free update for Windows 10. But there was no free update to Windows 7 from XP or to XP from 98.
    As for why the Windows XP key took longer: Windows XP was the first version of Windows to actually use Windows Activation. (Windows 98 just had a product key, which would work on any copy.) So maybe it's still ultimately the same activation system.
    Back then it would have been good to instantly reject the old public Windows keys. So maybe they are included in a local blacklist. Or maybe they changed the checksum that would verify it wasn't a mistyped key.
    Hence the XP key made it past the initial check, and had to wait on the servers to check it.

  • @yellowwinner1
    @yellowwinner1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought this was pretty common knowledge considering as you said Windows 11 uses Windows 10's activation so that would include all Windows 7 and newer keys.

  • @Killer-zz1lr
    @Killer-zz1lr ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ah yes, i also had "3" as my childhood nickname

  • @theretromillennial
    @theretromillennial ปีที่แล้ว

    I like your MS peripheral setup. I’ve got the same mouse at work and a MS Natural Keyboard from the Windows 98 era. Out of curiosity, what kind of keyboard are you using? It sounds almost like an IBM Model M, but it’s clearly not one.

  • @thomasvankeulen9511
    @thomasvankeulen9511 ปีที่แล้ว

    Microsoft: It's an older code sir, but it checks out

  • @SovietUnion-tu6xx
    @SovietUnion-tu6xx ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Me in estonia:Enderman made a video 3 mins ago
    Me seeing comments from people typed 16 mins ago: :(
    My brain has ran into a problem and needs to restart

  • @MusicFanatic13012
    @MusicFanatic13012 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That keyboard sound is soothing.

  • @jesusitox12
    @jesusitox12 ปีที่แล้ว

    i love the windows 98 box, reminds me of old school pc videogame boxes, still have some around somewhere

  • @Real4207b
    @Real4207b ปีที่แล้ว

    can't believe i got unsubbed from your channel smh. good video as always enderman!

  • @TwistySponge
    @TwistySponge ปีที่แล้ว

    It's been so long since I watched this channel. Last video I saw you were still using text instead of a microphone xD

  • @charleshines2142
    @charleshines2142 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I found that on Windows 10 you can personalize without activating if you are not connected to the internet and you do it early enough. Then once it checks to make you activate, your changes are locked in until you activate. If it is an embedded license you will just get to customize any time you want. It is a good way to lock in your own wallpaper and personalizations if you get people messing with your settings and don't like that. The only real reason not to activate is if you are only testing something. If you were like Linus and tested a lot of hardware it would get expensive fast to activate Windows for each one!! That is especially true when you consider that most of those are temporary installs for the purposes of testing and discussing some oddball device that no one has ever seen or been able to justify the cost of.

  • @J4y_boi
    @J4y_boi ปีที่แล้ว

    "What was your child nickname?"
    T H R E E

  • @LumiLumiLumiLumiLumiLumiLumiL
    @LumiLumiLumiLumiLumiLumiLumiL ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Also to get a windows 11 Account on the Pro version you can select "Setup for an Organisation" and then "I'd like to join a Domain" and then it will let u create a local account

  • @alexjobsofficial
    @alexjobsofficial 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    @1:16 : "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
    Thanks for this master-easter egg-piece Dude !!
    @5:24 "Subscribe or I'll bite you". > Bite me and then I will subscribe. Will you dare?

  • @msthalamus2172
    @msthalamus2172 ปีที่แล้ว

    "Subscribe or I'll bite you." I specifically subscribed because of that! :D

  • @greens8254
    @greens8254 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Microsoft be like: We have to do more Smart Work 😂😂

  • @cedericklane8318
    @cedericklane8318 ปีที่แล้ว

    Putting in product key: subscribe or I’ll bite you😂