Installing Windows 10 via Media Creation Tool


  1. Posts : 33
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Installing Windows 10 via Media Creation Tool


    I have a copy of 10 reserved, but what if I lose my patience and download an ISO from here:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

    I don't have a 10 product key yet, so how would that work?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,657
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Chrono, :)

    If you like, you could upgrade to Windows 10 from within the Media Creation Tool on your activated Windows 8.1 PC, and have 10 activated afterwards.

    (step 3)
    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...tallation.html
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 33
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hey Brink,

    Sorry I posted this in the wrong section. Wasn't sure exactly where to put it. So I can do the upgrade install, get the 10 key, and then do a clean install afterward?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,657
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    You won't get a key, but yes. :)


    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.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 33
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I see. Sort of like OEM installs? Tied to the mobo? Interesting. So they're doing away with product keys? Thanks for the help.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,657
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    Nope. There will still be product keys for retail. Just not for the free upgrade offer installations.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

    Chrono said:
    I see. Sort of like OEM installs? Tied to the mobo? Interesting. So they're doing away with product keys? Thanks for the help.
    No, not like OEM installs. You are legally allowed to transfer a retail copy to another computer, however, doing so requires that you reinstall your old OS and upgrade on the new computer, even if you have done an upgrade on the old computer. The only way to transfer the upgrade is via upgrading an old OS.

    So while automatic re-activation of a clean install is tied to the computer you upgraded on, you are free to transfer to another computer if you first upgrade the previous OS on that computer.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 33
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Okay, I gotcha. So if I decided to switch mobos or whatever, I would first have to install 8.1, pop in the 10 disc and do an upgrade install? Think I prefer the product key at this point. lol

    Thanks for the help, guys.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    Chrono said:
    Okay, I gotcha. So if I decided to switch mobos or whatever, I would first have to install 8.1, pop in the 10 disc and do an upgrade install? Think I prefer the product key at this point. lol

    Thanks for the help, guys.
    Yes, that's correct. It's just the price you pay for a free upgrade. If it bothers you that much, you can always buy a full copy.
      My Computer


 

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