clean installation Windows 10 pro

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  1. Posts : 1,333
    10 Pro retail 1909
       #1

    clean installation Windows 10 pro


    I had made a stick from the MCT but read it was for other pcs -I plan on getting one so it is not a waste.
    However, in looking for the best way to do a clean install of my pc with Win 10 Pro I got confused.
    I do not not have the 25 characters. I have an upgrade.
    Should I do a reset or can I use the stick I made, or is it only for other pcs?
    Is there another option to reset or is it the best way to clean reinstall?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #2

    RE : I do not not have the 25 characters. I have an upgrade.

    If your upgrade was successful and activated, you have the "Digital License" saved at the server. You are entitled to re-install the SAME windows 10 version as often as you want anytime you want. Activation is automatic. You won't need the "product key".

    RE : at the risk of redundancy, here is the tutorial for Clean Install

    Clean Install Windows 10

    NOTE : during clean install, you will be asked for a product key. Just click the "I do not have a product key" option ( or SKIP option) and continue.
    Upon completion, activation is automatic.

    RE : Is there another option to reset or is it the best way to clean reinstall?

    There is an alternative ….. Settings > Update & Recovery > left side, Recovery > right side, Reset this pc
    But I would strongly suggest you do the clean install using the tutorial posted above.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 31,459
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #3

    The usb stick made by the MCT can do a clean install on any machine. The reason it said 'for other PCs' when you made the usb is just to distinguish making the usb or iso from the MCT's other option, to 'upgrade this PC now'. 'Other PCs' includes using it later on the same PC you made the usb with.

    If your PC has previously had the free upgrade to Windows 10 then it will have a digital license for Windows 10 stored on the Microsoft activation servers and linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC. You can do a clean install of the same edition (Home or Pro) as you got in the upgrade without needing a key. If asked for a key click 'I don't have one' to skip entering a key. Windows will activate from the existing digital license as soon as it can contact the activation servers.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 31,459
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #4

    maranna said:
    Is there another option to reset or is it the best way to clean reinstall?
    That depends on what perceived problems you are trying to sort out. There is a third option, to do an in-place repair upgrade. This reinstalls Windows but lets you keep all your files, installed programs and apps, and some settings.

    Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade | Tutorials
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 1,333
    10 Pro retail 1909
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you all for the help;I now see the logic re other pcs or this one.

    Can anyone tell me where I can get the 25 characters so I can have the retail windows 10 Pro - I think it is $199 but only see it at the MS site. I don't know if that is considered retail; I think it is by the price and b/c I am buying it directly & not from a dealer.
    All I see in big box stores and o.l. is OEM.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #6

    maranna said:
    I do not not have the 25 characters. I have an upgrade.
    I thought you had a computer upgraded to Windows 10 Pro. No ?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,333
    10 Pro retail 1909
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I have an old pc and am going to buy one being made.
    This old one is an upgrade.
    I need the retail version as they will only install the OEM at the shop..
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #8

    maranna said:
    I have an old pc and am going to buy one being made.
    This old one is an upgrade.
    I need the retail version as they will only install the OEM at the shop..
    THAT is a completely different topic...…… Retail vs OEM
    The subject matter is a little more complicated than a simple install/upgrade.
    I'll leave this to the guru to explain to you.

    Meanwhile, have a look at this ……
    MICROSOFT OS (RETAIL VS OEM)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,333
    10 Pro retail 1909
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I should have started a new thread, sorry. I thought it was such a little incidental someone could answer it with no harm done.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 928
    Win 10
       #10

    maranna said:
    I have an old pc and am going to buy one being made.
    This old one is an upgrade.
    I need the retail version as they will only install the OEM at the shop..
    If you are buying a pc built for you and they install the OEM version (That is what builders do) Why do you think you need a retail version? Are planning to get new motherboards often?
      My Computers


 

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