Dell Windows 11 Licensing

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How does Dell do the licensing for WIndows 10 / 11 -- I take it there is a unique chip on the dell motherboard that gets registered with Microsoft when the laptop is produced? Or ???

 

The reason I ask is that I've been trying to buy an inspiron 16 2-in-1 7630 for several days now, but the Windows 11 Pro config is "temporarily out of stock" while they have windows 11 home (only) in stock. You can't place an order or get in line to buy the windows 11 pro at this time.

 

I've been waiting for the 11 pro to come in stock again because:
1.) I'd like the ability to clean install windows 10 pro on it if I don't like windows 11 pro.
2.) I don't want to create a microsoft account or have the laptop linked to a microsoft account - I'd like to have/create a local account only on my laptop.

I think starting with 11 home and then trying to upgrade to pro would make both of these more difficult for me.

[Aaron44126]

Basically, the product key is "burned" into the motherboard/BIOS and Windows 10/11 can "see" it for purposes of reactivation, if you ever do a reinstall.  Other tools can pull the OEM stored product key out, too, like ProduKey.

 

No idea why they would have trouble keeping Windows 11 Pro systems in stock but I guess I am not surprised.  You could try going through a sales rep to place your order.  Sometimes they have access to options that aren't available on the web site.

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Thanks!
As a followup question,
From an activation standpoint, does it generally work to install clean Windows 10 Pro on a Dell that comes only with Windows 11 Pro?