Activation query after clean install


  1. Posts : 2
    Win 8
       #1

    Activation query after clean install


    A friend's Asus 8.1 laptop was stuck in an automatic repair loop so I suggested that he upgrade to Windows 10.

    Because he was unable to access his system, I opted for a clean install and I created a bootable Win 10 usb on another pc. I used this usb to insall Win 10 on his machine, skipping any requests to activate.

    I was under the impression that Win 10 would automatically activate on installation. I'm not sure he ever signed up for the free upgrade offer before Win 8 on his machine decided to implode.

    Any advice as to what steps I should take now would be appreciated - thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22,740
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #2

    You have to perform an upgrade from the original OS to Win10 and get it to activate before you can perform a clean instillation and have it activate. You're going to have to reinstall 8.1 and then upgrade to 10, get it to activate and then you can perform a clean instillation for the automatic activation to work.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 609
    W10
       #3

    It does not matter, if your friend made a reservation for Windows 10 or if he did not. However, what does matter is that he once does an actual upgrade of his Windows 8 installation. Directly doing a clean install will lead to a non-activated system. Instead, he must upgrade Windows 8, e.g. using the Get Windows 10 app. Once that process has finished, he will have an activated Windows 10 and he will also be able to do a clean install, which will afterwards be activated.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2
    Win 8
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Ok thanks both for your replies. So looks like I'm going to have to downgrade back to Win 8 and then go through the whole process again (but properly this time).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 22,740
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #5

    millmeister said:
    Ok thanks both for your replies. So looks like I'm going to have to downgrade back to Win 8 and then go through the whole process again (but properly this time).
    You're welcome.

    Jeff
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 609
    W10
       #6

    Yes, I think there is no way around that.
      My Computer


 

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