If I previously upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 10 can I reinstall

03 Nov 2020

Windows 10 on the same computer via Windows 10 installation media or do I need to reinstall Windows 8 first then upgrade back to Windows 10? My key was originally for Windows 8, but it worked and I was able to upgrade to Windows 10 using it 2 years ago. Please note, that I will be using a different SSD drive from the one it was installed on, since it died. But all the other hardware, including motherboard are the same.

OldNavyGuy · 03 Nov 2020

New drive won't matter.

03 Nov 2020

OldNavyGuy said:

New drive won't matter.

What does that mean? Can I just install Windows 10 or do I need to install Windows 8 first then upgrade to Windows 10 since my product key is originally from Windows 8? The first time I installed Windows 10 on this computer, I installed Windows 8 first then upgraded to Windows 10, since my product key is for Windows 8. So do I need to do it that way again, or can I just install Windows 10 directly and use my Windows 8 product key if it asks for it?

Pejole2165 · 03 Nov 2020

If you have an activated copy of Win10 currently you can just re install (clean if you want) as the MS servers will have an ID for that machine showing an activated copy. If (very unlikely) you need a key then use your Win8 key, should be fine.
Best method is to physically disconnect any drives other than the system drive to be, and turn off internet until install is finished. There are some good guides on these forums on clean installing Win10 if you need them.

Bree · 03 Nov 2020

22878 said:

What does that mean? ... can I just install Windows 10 directly and use my Windows 8 product key if it asks for it?

It means that when you upgraded to Windows 10 you got a digital licence for W10 stored on Microsoft's activation servers and linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC. The hard drive does not play any part in this hardware ID.

You can clean install the same edition of Windows 10 as before (Home or Pro) and if asked for a key click 'I don't have one'. As soon as it can contact the activation servers it will activate from the existing digital licence.