Will windows 10 update provide a product key for clean install?

Macros said:

Many thanks - at least i know that now I have activated I can take the time to setup a dual boot and work out my raid drives. thanks for the quick response

There is a bug in the installer that sometimes insists on a product key so if that happens, go ahead with the dummy key and then use phone activation. It took me an hour on the phone but the retail key made that worthwhile.

genet said:

You must first upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.



1. Do a clean installation of Windows 8.1 to another partition or hard drive to create a dual boot setup.

- How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

2. Check that Windows 8.1 is activated.

3. There is no need to install updates from Windows Update in Windows 8.1.

4. Create a Windows 10 installation media (USB/DVD/ISO) using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

5. Upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 from Windows 10 USB/DVD/ISO.

For example:
- In Windows 8.1, mount the Windows 10 ISO image file by right-clicking the ISO image file and choosing Mount. If you don’t see Mount command from the context menu, go to Open with -> Windows Explorer instead.
- Run the setup (setup.exe) file to start Windows 10 Setup.

6. After the installation of Windows 10, check that Windows 10 is activated.

Thanks for input. I have successfully installed Windows 10 in a dual boot as before with Win 8.1. According to MSoft Technical via a phone call there is no way to activate Win 10 this way unless I first upgrade Win 8.1 by overwriting it which I did not want to do.

Why this is necessary when MS could still read my Win 8.1 and hardware config via clean install of Win 10 on my dual boot arrangement. Its all on same machine!

rucaxp said:

Another thing. I don't own a small business or a big one for that matter. But, I have always used Win 7 Pro which as to (me) is still a very stable OS. Even more than Ultimate. Now with this Win10 Pro version, some say is for small business only. Can we expect the same level of stability with win10 pro version? Or should I buy a Win7 home key and update into win10 home? (I know Win7 keys aren't sold anymore, but I have a friend who still has like 15 of'em or so to sell).

133

Pro is typically used when group policy is needed or you have an Active Directory to join. Often times this is in a business, but it's not necessary. If you have these needs, buy Pro. Otherwise, save your money and buy Home. There is no stability differences in these versions.

To be clear, as long as you don't change you'r hardware you will be fine to re install as many time as you want WITHOUT entering any keys. It is actually saved with your motherboard in the Microsoft activation server.

Miklos said:

According to MSoft Technical via a phone call there is no way to activate Win 10 this way unless I first upgrade Win 8.1 by overwriting it which I did not want to do.

You do not need to overwrite your current Windows 8.1 installation.

1. Do a clean installation of Windows 8.1 to another partition or hard drive to create a dual boot setup.

2. Upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 from Windows 10 USB/DVD/ISO.

Miklos said:

Thanks for input. I have successfully installed Windows 10 in a dual boot as before with Win 8.1. According to MSoft Technical via a phone call there is no way to activate Win 10 this way unless I first upgrade Win 8.1 by overwriting it which I did not want to do.

Why this is necessary when MS could still read my Win 8.1 and hardware config via clean install of Win 10 on my dual boot arrangement. Its all on same machine!

You might try this, although I don't know if it will work once you have tried once to activate Windows 10 clean install and failed:
Why Activate? - Windows 10 Forums

Basically, make sure your computer has no ability to connect to the internet. Run the gatherosstate program on your Windows 8.1 partition. Copy the resulting XML file to the proper location on you Windows 10 partition. Reboot Windows 10 at least once with the XML file saved. Then connect to the internet again with Windows 10 and hope for the best.

Windows 10 Pro also has BitLocker..

Miklos said:

...Why this is necessary when MS could still read my Win 8.1 and hardware config via clean install of Win 10 on my dual boot arrangement. Its all on same machine!

Because ... MS decided to change the Activation method for the free Upgrade. However, I did read recently where someone had a long discussion with MS Support and were told that MS is possibly working on this activate-with-a-key approach -- which would be nice, if it turns out to be true.

Mark Phelps said:

Because ... MS decided to change the Activation method for the free Upgrade. However, I did read recently where someone had a long discussion with MS Support and were told that MS is possibly working on this activate-with-a-key approach -- which would be nice, if it turns out to be true.

Thanks:-well if the 30 days grace to activation still exists I will live in hope.

Miklos said:

Thanks:-well if the 30 days grace to activation still exists I will live in hope.

There is no 30 day grace period to activate. There is permanent reduced functionality and increasing nagging to activate.