I have an older PC that originally I had Window 8 (I have Windows 8 install discs). But I took the free update to Windows 10. I've been away from building computers and keeping up on all the latest stuff. But I know there must be a way I could install an SSD for the main OS drive and do a Clean install of Windows 10, even tough I don't have any install discs for Windows 10, nor do I know the Product Key. What to do?
on install win10 should activate itself.if it somehow doesnt a call to microsoft should get it activated.you can download the installer from microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
Did I hear someone say they need to find their key for their copy of Windows 10? Follow the link and download Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder (It's free and it's safe), install it and it will get you key for any operating system from Windows 7 through 10. Have you considered cloning your hard drive? Whatever you do recover a copy of your key first. https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
g725s does not need to find the key as win 10 in his computer is already registered with MS so should autoactivate when windows is installed.
That's a tough one! I purchased a retail copy of Windows 10 since I figured it would be the last copy I will ever have to purchase. It came with a little key card that clearly states "keep this key in case you ever have to reinstall Windows." An OEM version has a different license than a retail version in that as long as you only use it on one PC at time you can install it on as many new computers as you will need over time. An OEM version is limited to the single computer that you and if you change it too much Microsoft might not activate it. In the past Microsoft only followed an install for about six months so you could in effect reuse a key if you have it, but I don't know that you can reuse a download copy. How do you download a copy of windows to a system that has no operating system if it's your only PC? I have my windows 10 installation setup info on a thumb drive. It's always a good idea to cover all of your bases, so get the key anyway!
I don't think so! It might always be needed bu the key allows you to perform an install on a clean drive or a reformatted drive. Again it could be because I have a retail copy, but if I didn't have the key I would've had no way to install my copy of Win 10. I did have to enter it to proceed with the install. So I'll keep my peace of mind and you can keep your piece of mind. LOL
Then there's this! https://www.howtogeek.com/266072/yo...ws-10-for-free-with-a-windows-7-8-or-8.1-key/
Just an update. Worked great. Very easy to just run the Create Windows 10 installation media tool by Microsoft and make a USB Drive for a clean install. Windows seemed to recognize my PC automatically after installing the new SSD and turning it on with the flash drive installed and performing the install clean.
