Clean install of 10 on new SSD


  1. Posts : 73
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Clean install of 10 on new SSD


    I am about to get a new 240Gb SSD and have been advised to clean install Windows 10 on it. This SSD will replace a SATA HDD in my existing computer running Windows 8.1. I know that I qualify for the free upgrade; I have the "Get 10" icon on my task bar.

    My first question is, can I get the 10 installation media without buying it and if so, how?

    Do I need to upgrade the computer to 10 before replacing the OS hard drive with the new SSD and clean installing?

    I'm not very knowledgeable about these processes so I apologize if my language is incorrect. If somebody could give me a step by step process guide to achieve this, I would be most grateful.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,652
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Canuck, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    Yes, you'll need to upgrade to the free Windows 10 offer on your activated Windows 8.1 PC first to register the Windows 10 activation on the Microsoft activation servers for your PC.

    Afterwards, you'll be able to clean install on the PC.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...tallation.html

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html
      My Computers


  3. Nus
    Posts : 242
    Win 10 Pro 64bit
       #3

    canuck257 said:
    My first question is, can I get the 10 installation media without buying it and if so, how?
    Download from Microsoft here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/9...-download.html

    canuck257 said:
    Do I need to upgrade the computer to 10 before replacing the OS hard drive with the new SSD and clean installing?
    Yes, after you've upgraded your PC will be activated. When you clean install skip the points where you're asked for a product key and your PC will get automatically activated when its finished.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 33
    Windows 10
       #4

    I recommend swapping in the new SSD, or any other hardware upgrades, while still on Windows 8.1, then upgrade to Windows 10 to avoid any complications activating Windows 10 if you later choose to perform a clean install. A clean installed Windows 10 will be expecting the same hardware as what you received the free upgrade. With all that said you still should be able to re-activate (if you later choose to clean install) via calling Microsoft if there are any problems since its perfectly reasonable to upgrade/install a new SSD. Most probably would prefer not having any reason to call Microsoft to re-activate so thats why I offer my above recommendation.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 501
    windows 10 (x64) Home 20H2 19042.844
       #5
      My Computer


 

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