Some time ago I have activated my Windows Education licence key on the HP laptop to extend my Windows 10 capabilities.
Right now I would like to sell the laptop to some new user, so I have reset the Windows installation to the factory state.
But obviously, my key remains activated in Windows.
I was wondering if it is safe to use slmgr.vbs /upk to get rid of my product key and then reset the Windows system to the factory state.
Do you possibly know is it going to proceed with OA3 (OEM Activation 3.0) during such Windows reset and activate my factory-state Windows product key?
I've done my homework, so I know, that:
OEM Activation 3.0 (OA3) takes place at the factory. A digital product key (DPK) is installed on the motherboard BIOS during the manufacturing process.
and how to use the slmgr application. The thing is that I don't know how to force the activation of in-bios DPK, as I want to sell my laptop in vanilla state, with the stock, OEM Windows version and product key.
Best Answer
Windows 10 uses Digital entitlement and activates based on the hardware configuration, and especially on the OEM key.
There is no way for you to erase the OEM key, nor do you need to. Any Windows 10 version that you install will pick it up automatically.
Reset was the right action to take, as it ensures that the installed Windows version fits the OEM key (Home, Pro etc,).
You don't need to do any more than that.
If the Microsoft license servers are now fixed on the Digital Entitlement of the Education serial and will pick it up automatically on reboot, then you might try going into Settings > Update & Security > Activation and use the button "Change product key" to manually enter the OEM key. This key should have been furnished you either as a sticker on the computer itself or via a paper document.
If this doesn't work, then you need to call Microsoft Support and explain the problem, asking them to delete the Education key from your entitlement.