How to do a fresh install of windows 10?


  1. Posts : 4
    8.1
       #1

    How to do a fresh install of windows 10?


    So i currently have 8.1 and i would like to reformat my Partition and do a clean install of windows 10. I have downloaded the windows 10 CD boot from here Windows 10 i have windows 8.1 home so i downloaded windows 10 home. And when i was doing the installation. it was asking me for my Product key. I typed in my Product key but it said " it did not recognize my Product key" So i quit the installation. I was wondering why it did not recognize my product key when we have the upgrade for free.


    Is there any other way to do a fresh install on windows 10? because i really would like to reformat my main partition and then do the installation of windows 10
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,665
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello, and welcome to Ten Forums.

    When you upgrade with the free reserved copy from the GWX app on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, Windows 10 has a generic key included that will activate it.

    If you clean or upgrade install Windows 10 without doing the above first, Windows 10 will not be activated.


    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, 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


  3. Posts : 4
    8.1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    This is what i did. I created a DVD boot and when i was in windows i up in the CD and ran the setup exe. Then i clicked on DON't save any files because i already had a partition that had my backup files. then i upgraded. I saw that it still created a Windows old file and it was activated. So i rebooted the computer and RAN the CD boot. I reformatted and deleted all the extra partitions and saved my backup partition and i installed windows in boot partition and once installed i logged into my account and it was activated. everything went smoothly
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 20
    Windows 7 64
       #4

    Given Brink's credentials above I have to take what is said as fact.

    Glad I ran into this thread and am sending a copy to my gaming buddies who have yet to upgrade.

    A number of us were and are considering doing a full clean install from get go.
    Or, upgrading from Win 7 game systems.
    IF we had done as we expected, a clean DVD boot install method, we'd be screwed and unable to validate our installs.
    Which I then had expected to simply enter my Win 7 registration code in to have a legit Win 10 copy.

    I wonder how many failed installations there are out there as a lack of this understanding as Bink has posted? A bunch I suspect.

    Microsoft did not make it obvious to the world the exact needed procedure during all my testing of pre-release and
    are doing well at hiding this critical information.

    Thank you Bink for saving me grief in future when I do decide to upgrade.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 68,665
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

      My Computers


 

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