Clean Install Windows 10

duckyrubber · 29 Jul 2015

Hi I need some help. I reformatted my computer and did a clean install of Windows 10 on my original Windows 7 computer. It now won't recognize my Windows 7 product key. What should I do?

Brink · 29 Jul 2015

Hello ducky, and welcome to Ten Forums.

If you didn't do this below first, then that would be why it's not activating.

Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.

reset20 · 16 Aug 2015

Use the automated phone option when trying to activate windows. It will take about five minutes to activate your computer.

NavyLCDR · 16 Aug 2015

duckyrubber said:

What should I do?

Install Windows 7 again. Make sure it is activated. You do not need to install any Windows Updates for Windows 7. Upgrade the existing Windows 7 to Windows 10 using the "Upgrade this PC now" option of the Windows 10 Media Creation tool:
Windows 10

or you can make a USB or DVD with the Media Creation Tool and run setup.exe from it - from within Windows 7.

Make sure the Windows 10 upgrade is activated. Then, and only then, can you do a clean install of Windows 10.

bobkn · 16 Aug 2015

reset20 said:

Use the automated phone option when trying to activate windows. It will take about five minutes to activate your computer.

I doubt that Microsoft will be so accommodating. I'd bet they'll insist on going back to the qualifying OS and installing the free upgrade as an upgrade.

I'd be interested if that turns out to be false.