Simplest way of installing W10 (Almost clean install) with activation

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  1. Posts : 486
    Windows 10x64 17713
       #11

    I was asked twice for a key during the clean install; skipped both times and it booted up activated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 373
    Linux/W10
       #12

    owensdj said:
    wptski most of the people who are having upgrade problems aren't doing it correctly. You don't put your 8.1 key into the ISO install. You must in-place upgrade 8.1 to 10. Make sure the upgraded 10 is activated with Microsoft. At this point you can use the ISO to fresh re-install 10, but you don't put in your 8.1 key during the install. You Skip when it asks for the key because Microsoft already has a record of your particular machine and the key on its servers. Once you re-install 10 it should automatically activate with Microsoft.
    About time this advice was made a "sticky" Far too many people getting confused re clean installs.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 248
    W10 Pro/W7 Pro 64-bit
       #13

    owensdj said:
    wptski most of the people who are having upgrade problems aren't doing it correctly. You don't put your 8.1 key into the ISO install. You must in-place upgrade 8.1 to 10. Make sure the upgraded 10 is activated with Microsoft. At this point you can use the ISO to fresh re-install 10, but you don't put in your 8.1 key during the install. You Skip when it asks for the key because Microsoft already has a record of your particular machine and the key on its servers. Once you re-install 10 it should automatically activate with Microsoft.
    The in place upgrade failed at the first reboot. W8.1 was activated. Well, I already been through the clean install but didn't know not to skip the product key entry so they wouldn't accept it during the two while installing and even one after so "maybe" the next time I boot into W10 it will be activated which is what happened with the W8.1 install.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 248
    W10 Pro/W7 Pro 64-bit
       #14

    Installed W8.1 yet again and chose the W10 upgrade when first offered. Made it to a point that I never saw before with Upgrading to W10 with the large circle with the percentage. Didn't sit back and relax but caught a BSOD with a problem gathering info. It booted to try to continue but ended up restoring W8.1 again. I went straight to another in place try, got past the first reboot into the final stages with the large circle again. This time it made it all the way and I'm activated with W10 Pro!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #15

    Here is a testament to your method Jimbo: Windows 10 Clean Install, what does it delete? - Page 2 - Windows 10 Forums

    Sort of anyway. I think using the MediaCreationTool to download the ISo is better than using Windows Update, faster and gives you more control over what happens when.
      My Computers


 

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