Clean install of windows 10 preview on a computer upgraded from 8.1


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #1

    Clean install of windows 10 preview on a computer upgraded from 8.1


    Hi all,

    I figure this will be an easy one, but I just wanted to double check as there seems to be a lot of 95% complete info out there lol. Basically I was using the windows 10 preview long before windows 10 dropped and have kept using it and providing feedback since. I would now like to do an erase and reinstall on the drive with just a drag and drop back up restore - so I can be sure I'm providing accurate feedback on a clean install.

    I just want to make sure I'm doing it the right way and not risking this finikity update licence they issued for windows 8 users. Am I right in thinking I just download the install tool from the insider program page, wipe my drive and away I go? or might this cause problems with my update licence?

    Thanks in advance

    Jeff
      My Computer


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

    First - a drag and drop back up restore is not a clean install. It is a restoration of a previously installed operating system. Second, what does you current activation screen say? Does it say it is activated with a digital license or entitlement? If it says digital license or entitlement than you are good to go to do a real clean install by booting from a Windows 10 installation USB flash drive or DVD, wiping the hard drive, and installing Windows 10 to the unallocated space.

    If the Windows 10 setup asks for a product key, click the option to skip it. As long as you install the same version of Windows 10 to the same computer, it will activate automatically when it connects to the internet. If you had plain Windows 10 Home on the computer, then install plain Windows 10 Home. Do not install Single Language Edition. Do not install N edition. Do not install Pro.

    Clean install of windows 10 preview on a computer upgraded from 8.1-capture.jpg
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the speedy reply!

    Well... a drag and drop is as close as they're getting lol, I'm not erasing my personal files . Basically I'll erase the drive, reinstall windows, redownload my software (not much really - office, browsers, VS, Unity, PS, Gimp, Blender) then drag my documents, media and project files back over - trying to avoid any config files. I'm also taking the opportunity to clean out my one drive and get it a bit more organised (I let myself get a bit slack between one drive and this PC *slaps wrist*)

    Clean install of windows 10 preview on a computer upgraded from 8.1-activated.png

    Looking at this my activation is liked to my account so it should be all good to go right? I'll just double check I remember my password lol

    Thanks again - I find the whole update activation thing a bit foggy in the minutia!

    Jeff
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    When you stated drag and drop restore, I thought you meant an image of the operating system, such as restoring with Macrium Reflect free. Just talking about dragging and dropping your data files is still a clean install.
      My Computer


 

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