New install of Win 10 on older computer?


  1. Posts : 7,128
    Windows 10 Pro Insider
       #1

    New install of Win 10 on older computer?


    I was given a laptop that came with Windows 8.1. The owner removed the memory and HDD because they thought computer went bad. I replaced the memory and HDD with some spare parts I had. The HDD had a old installation of Win 10 from when I replaced it with a SSD. The laptop is working good. Now I want to install a clean version of Windows 10. Can I use the Win 8.1 key to activate the Win 10 install?
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 7,128
    Windows 10 Pro Insider
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Windows 10 installed without a problem and is activated. When I was asked to enter the key I chose I do not have a key. When Windows finished installing it was activated with a digital license.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #3

    Back in 2015 it may have gone for the free upgrade (or had an over-enthusiastic windows update sneak it in uninvited) then rolled back to Windows 8.1. If so, it would have got a digital licence for 10.

    Memory/HDD don't count as far as the hardware ID is concerned, so the licence would still be valid.
      My Computers


 

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