Cleanest/Best Way to Upgrade to Windows 10 on a Surface Pro 2/VTN8?

Would running the upgrade through Windows Update, and then Resetting WITHOUT keeping files be equivalent to a fresh clean install via boot/installation media?


Also, does Windows 10 recognize devices? As in, will I still receive firmware updates for the Surface Pro 2 after Windows 10 is installed? Are there concerns regarding drivers?


TL;DR: What is the CLEANEST way to get Windows 10 on a Surface Pro 2 and VivoTab Note 8?

Thanks all :)...

Do the update and activate so your hardware is registered at Microsoft server. Then you can clean-install the same version (Home or Pro) by skipping key, it will activate automatically. Download any drivers beforehand, since you may not have internet access at first. Since the touchscreen may not work, you may need to use a USB keyboard/mouse until you install all drivers. I don't know if you receive firmware updates through Windows Update. If there is another update utility you should download and install it. If there are no drivers for Windows 10, you can use those for 8 or 7, don't worry.

spapakons said:

Do the update and activate so your hardware is registered at Microsoft server. Then you can clean-install the same version (Home or Pro) by skipping key, it will activate automatically. Download any drivers beforehand, since you may not have internet access at first. Since the touchscreen may not work, you may need to use a USB keyboard/mouse until you install all drivers. I don't know if you receive firmware updates through Windows Update. If there is another update utility you should download and install it. If there are no drivers for Windows 10, you can use those for 8 or 7, don't worry.

Thank you,

So, I can find an ATK packages for the VivoNote 8: ASUS USA

But I'm having trouble finding any driver packages for the Surface Pro 2. They all seem to redirect to a page designed for the Surface Pro 3.

As far as not receiving firmware updates through Windows Update (as Windows 8.1 DOES do on the Surface Pro 2), this is leaving me with a fair bit of unease, as these updates can do some pretty major things with battery life and general functionality.

Really appreciate the response, though. Thank you :)...

I am not sure, but maybe the drivers for Surface 2 are also compatible with Surface 3. Do a little research and if this is the case, download them. You can also use a utility such as Aida64 to find out exactly all the hardware of your system and then download directly from the device manufacturers (Intel, Realtek etc).

spapakons said:

Do the update and activate so your hardware is registered at Microsoft server. Then you can clean-install the same version (Home or Pro) by skipping key, it will activate automatically.

-OR-

If you want to clean install Windows 10.

Create a bootable Windows 10 November update (build 10586) USB flash drive or DVD. -> Windows 10

If you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key, the Windows 10 installer should automatically detect product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and you will be taken straight to the License Agreement screen. When installation is finished, Windows 10 will be activated automatically, if your internet connection is up and running.

But if you are being prompted for a product key, it means that you have the wrong installation media and that's when the Windows 10 installer can't detect Windows 8/8.1 product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS). Note: Do not select the "I don't have a product key" option, because activation is not successful. You need to download the correct version of Windows 10.