How do I get the free Windows 10 back after Reformatting Computer?

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Pro
       #1

    How do I get the free Windows 10 back after Reformatting Computer?


    Last spring, I had Windows 10 downloaded to my computer by one of those popup windows which apparently said do u want to download updates in 10 minutes, 1 hr, or 4 hrs? While I was gone, Windows 10 downloaded to my computer and
    when I got home, I had windows 10 on my computer instead of Win 7 Pro.

    2 weeks ago, I signed on email one morning and that was all I could do. Outlook would work, but I could not access and
    websites; only Outlook. Tried several things but could never get IE, or other browsers to work. I reformatted the computer
    which took it back to Win 7 Pro. Since the deadline is past, I don't seem to be able to get win 10 back, without purchasing a DVD? Anyone have any ideas?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    The install media for windows 10 is freely downloadable from Microsoft. Because you took the free upgrade you now have a digital licence recorded on Microsoft's activation severs, tied to your PC's hardware. You can do a clean install and it will activate automatically. You don't need to enter a product key, just click 'I don't have one' when asked.

    Instructions on how to get a bootable USB and how to do the clean install are in this Tutorial.
    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html

    If you wish, you can also use the install media to upgrade your newly restored Windows 7 to Windows 10. Again, your existing digital licence will activate Windows 10 automatically.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #3

    bkbobb said:
    Last spring, I had Windows 10 downloaded to my computer by one of those popup windows which apparently said do u want to download updates in 10 minutes, 1 hr, or 4 hrs? While I was gone, Windows 10 downloaded to my computer and
    when I got home, I had windows 10 on my computer instead of Win 7 Pro.
    2 weeks ago, I signed on email one morning and that was all I could do. Outlook would work, but I could not access and
    websites; only Outlook. Tried several things but could never get IE, or other browsers to work. I reformatted the computer
    which took it back to Win 7 Pro. Since the deadline is past, I don't seem to be able to get win 10 back, without purchasing a DVD? Anyone have any ideas?
    Hi bkbobb and welcome to Tenforums.
    Once a system has seen Windows 10 installed and activated, it can be reinstalled/clean installed as often as you like/need. It should activate using the digital entitlement saved on the MS servers. The activation is for the life of the device.

    In your case, I would grab the W7 key code (using ShowKeyPlus), then download Windows 10 install media and clean install Windows 10 on your system. You shouldn't have to input a key when installing; you should be able to skip that part. But, just in case, have the key written down to use if necessary.
    Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums
    .
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    How do I get the free Windows 10 back after Reformatting Computer?


    Thank you for the information. I will try that over the weekend. When I got to typing in the key, nothing would work so
    that may have been my problem. should I back up what I have restored in win 7 pro?:)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #5

    bkbobb said:
    Thank you for the information. I will try that over the weekend. When I got to typing in the key, nothing would work so
    that may have been my problem. should I back up what I have restored in win 7 pro?:)
    You could make a Macrium image, so if things go sour, you can just restore the image and be right back where you started very easily.
    Macrium Reflect - Backup Restore - Windows 10 Forums
    .
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #6

    bkbobb said:
    Thank you for the information. I will try that over the weekend. When I got to typing in the key, nothing would work so
    that may have been my problem. should I back up what I have restored in win 7 pro?:)
    Typing in the key for what ?

    You do not have to enter a key when you clean install 10, just click skip, it will auto activate when you get online.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    If I remember correctly, I tried typing in the key for the Win 7 Pro


    AddRAM said:
    Typing in the key for what ?

    You do not have to enter a key when you clean install 10, just click skip, it will auto activate when you get online.
    If I remember correctly, I tried typing in the key for the Win 7 Pro disk that I had and that's where I got hung up. Thanks for the info.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 579
    Windows 10 Home
       #8

    Most of us are so used to needing a Product Key, but, Windows 10 has a unique concept.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 10
    windows 10
       #9

    simrick said:
    You could make a Macrium image, so if things go sour, you can just restore the image and be right back where you started very easily.
    Macrium Reflect - Backup Restore - Windows 10 Forums
    .
    I wanted to know about disk cloning lately. But never bothered about googling you just saved my Minutes

    Thanks, A Lot simrick
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #10

    MirnaDorris said:
    I wanted to know about disk cloning lately. But never bothered about googling you just saved my Minutes

    Thanks, A Lot simrick
    Welcome! :)
      My Computer


 

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