I'm using the ShowKeyPlus app to check my Windows 10 product key because I'm planning to upgrade to Windows 11. However, it shows that my installed key is a 'default key' and says I need a digital license for activation. This confuses me because in the Windows activation settings, it confirms that my Windows is activated with a digital license.
I'm on Windows 10 Home right now, but I need to replace my motherboard since it's not compatible with Windows 11. I also think a clean install will be necessary after the upgrade. I've heard conflicting info that I could lose my digital activation after changing the motherboard, which makes me wonder if my current question is moot.
Will the default key I see in ShowKeyPlus work for activating Windows 11, or will it activate automatically after a clean install? If not, what's the workaround? By the way, I prefer not to link my Microsoft account to the PC since I'm using a local account, and I'm not in a position to buy a new Windows 11 key. I don't even know if the installed product key is something other than the default one since it was set up by a local shop 5 years ago when I had hard drive issues.
1 Answer
The confusion often comes from the specifics of compatibility. Generally, it's the CPU that poses the issue for Windows 11 compatibility more than the motherboard itself. Could you let us know what CPU you're currently using? That might help clarify things!
Sorry I didn't explain that properly. I'm currently using an i7-6700k. My new motherboard won't support it for Windows 11, and my current one doesn't have an integrated TPM 2.0 module, which is why I said it's incompatible. My current motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-Z170-Gaming K3.