It shouldn’t ask for a key as the Windows 10 license is a digital one so you’re not given a key but an entitlement to use Windows 10.

Can you supply a screenshot of that screen?

Hello, Fortunate Ra

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

Hello, thank you for your feedback on your issue here, it seems that you want to update your win10 system.

Generally there are some steps below to update:

Method 1: Using Windows Update

Check network connection: make sure your laptop is connected to the internet.

Open Settings:

Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the screen).

Then click on Settings (gear icon).

Go to Update & Security:

In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.

Check for updates:

Under the Windows Update tab, click the Check for Updates button.

Windows will start searching for available updates. If it finds an update, it will download it automatically.

Install the update:

Once the download is complete, Windows will either begin installing the update immediately or prompt you to restart your computer. If you are prompted to restart, click Restart Now to complete the update.

Wait for the update to complete:

Windows will perform the installation process and your computer will restart a few times. Depending on the size of the update, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Verify that the update is complete:

Once the update is complete, go back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to see if there are additional updates. If it says “Your device is up to date”, then the update is complete.

Method 2: Use HP Support Assistant (for HP laptops)

HP laptops usually come with a pre-installed application called HP Support Assistant, which can help you keep your system up-to-date, including HP drivers and software updates.

Open HP Support Assistant:

Type HP Support Assistant in the Windows search bar and select the app.

Check for updates:

In the HP Support Assistant app, click the **"Updates ”** tab.

It will automatically check for available updates, including Windows updates and HP-specific software updates.

Install updates:

If there are available updates, click Install to start the installation process, following the on-screen instructions.

Reboot the computer:

After the update installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

Method 3: Use the Media Creation Tool (for major updates or upgrades)

If you want to upgrade to a new Windows 10 version, you can use the Media Creation Tool.

Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to perform an In-place Upgrade with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide - Microsoft Community

Also need to pay attention to the following:

Back up your data: Before any update, it's a good idea to back up your important files just in case.

Ensure adequate power: Make sure your laptop is connected to a power source in case the update process is interrupted.

If you are facing issues while updating, you can share some error messages or tips here and I will support you further.

Best regards

Bobhe | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

8.1 will not be obsolete in a few months.

Support for 8 ended in Jan, 2016.

Extended Support for 8.1 ends in 2023.

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Installing a newer operating system will not fix the problems with your screen.

And we can't help you with a replacement screen.

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About Windows 10:

You may or may not still get 10 for free, but you first have to see if 10 is compatible with your device.

The free upgrade to Windows 10 offer from Microsoft expired on the 29th July, 2016.

You will have to contact MS support and they may be able to assist you with a free upgrade to 10..

Also read this information:

All the Ways You Can Still Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free

Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade | ZDNet

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Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ - Windows Help - Microsoft Support

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Windows 10 supported upgrade paths:

= Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications.

D = Edition downgrade; personal data is maintained, applications and settings are removed.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths

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First thing to do is to make sure that you have the correct system requirements and that your Computer Manufacturer supplies the correct Drivers for 10 for your Model Number.

Driver Downloads:

HP:

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/drivers.html

"Windows 10 System Requirements"

https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3884/windows-10-system-requirements

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications#sysreqs

If you read those Microsoft's system requirements for 10, you will find that if you only go on them you will be sadly disappointed in performance.

For reasonable performance should have at least:

2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor.

4 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 8 GB for 64-bit

500GB hard drive

DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

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Detailed information on Minimum hardware requirements:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview

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Some Manufacturers have listed Model Numbers tested with 10 at their website:

HP Products Tested with Windows 10

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If you do have to buy Windows 10:

How to buy Windows 10:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/cat/Windows/categoryID.70036700

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