(clean) Win10 Free Upgrade: Multiple systems?


  1. Posts : 29
    Windows10
       #1

    (clean) Win10 Free Upgrade: Multiple systems?


    We have ~40 Windows 8.1 Pro OEM workstations, which should qualify for the free upgrade to Windows 10.

    However, I do not wish to do an upgrade. I would much rather re-image their disks. (All user data is stored in roaming profiles, and we have software to automate installing the few user applications we use.)

    So, from what I've read, our only option is this:
    1) Install the Win10 upgrade on an individual workstation (which will then register it in whatever database MS is using to keep track of this stuff)
    2) Create restoration media for that workstation
    3) Use said restoration media on that workstation to do a clean-install
    4) Re-install applications / join domain / etc
    5) Repeate steps 1-4 for each and every workstation

    That last bit is where I'm getting hung up. Requiring me to do an upgrade install on a workstation just to build restore media for that workstation, and do this for each and every workstation... even with only 40 workstations, that gets time consuming, fast.

    Ideally, what I'd like to be able to do is: Get a clean install of Windows 10 on one system, image the disk to the other workstations, and then change their product keys and SIDs as necessary. However, if my understanding of the upgrade options MS has handed us is correct, this is not an option.

    Does anyone have an alternative that would allow us to utilize the free upgrade path, and do a clean-install, without having to jump through quite so many hoops?

    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Steps 2 and 3 can use a generic system image. Step 1 must be done for each individual computer separately and uniquely. After the separate and unique upgrade has been performed on the computer, a generic, non-activated Windows 10 image can be put on it and that Windows 10 will activate based on the information stored on Microsoft activation servers during step 1.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #3

    You could create a generic image with the programs you want installed and use that for steps 2,3,4 Windows 10 Image - Customize in Audit Mode with Sysprep - Windows 10 Forums to save installing programs multiple times.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:11.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums