Clean install with existing key

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  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Clean install with existing key


    I have my Windows 10 Pro since it was available. It was upgrade from Windows 8.1 pro.
    I want to do clean install in a few days/weeks with the same key.
    2 reasons for this:
    1. I cannot pass the November update (10586) - I have tried all tips available (even MS rep spent 6+ hours and failed).
    2. My 250 SSD is getting to be too small (I have big ASP MVC project on localhost that needs to be on SSD)

    My plan is to buy 500GB SSD (or 480) and install clean Windows 10 Pro on it.

    The perfect approach is to have 2 instances of Windows 10 for a few days (until I set up everything on the new one) and then switch completely to new with my existing key.

    Do I need to worry about something before doing it? Or should I contact MS?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Everything should be fine. The Windows 10 clean install should activate with the existing digital entitlement saved on Microsoft activation servers.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #3

    NavyLCDR said:
    Everything should be fine. The Windows 10 clean install should activate with the existing digital entitlement saved on Microsoft activation servers.
    If I'm reading this right, you're saying one needs to be connected to the internet to be activated?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,502
    Win_8.1-Pro, Win_10.1607-Pro, Mint_17.3
       #4

    Yep ... and you don't need to enter a key ... just skip or next (small text on install pane) if asked (2 or 3 places if I recall)

    See:
    Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 134
    Windows 10 Home 64bit V1803
       #5

    tengeezer said:
    If I'm reading this right, you're saying one needs to be connected to the internet to be activated?
    Yes, need active internet...
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #6

    Are you guys sure about this? Because if what you're saying is true, this means it's illegal to use Windows 10 if installed without being online.

    There can be so many different situations which could entail this, such as:

    For example, a person has just moved house, and they're waiting a few days for their ISP to get everything setup. If this person happens to re-install Windows 10, it means they're running an illegal instance?

    That can't be right.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I'm waiting for my new SSD. Probably I will be doing this next weekend. I will update this thread once its done.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3,502
    Win_8.1-Pro, Win_10.1607-Pro, Mint_17.3
       #8

    tengeezer said:
    Are you guys sure about this? Because if what you're saying is true, this means it's illegal to use Windows 10 if installed without being online.

    There can be so many different situations which could entail this, such as:

    For example, a person has just moved house, and they're waiting a few days for their ISP to get everything setup. If this person happens to re-install Windows 10, it means they're running an illegal instance?

    That can't be right.
    Absolutely certain - your license MUST be activated for you to have a legal license.
    There is a grace period (90 days???) that covers most scenarios you could imagine.

    Of course you can call it in if you don't have Internet access.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #9

    It is perfectly legal to use Windows 10 without activating it. That is exactly the reason Microsoft built the reduced functionality into it. Also an internet connection is not required for activation. Phone activation is available for Windows 10 just like the previous versions of Windows.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 3,453
       #10

    The "I cannot pass the November update (10586)" - meaning the upgrade is giving you probs? If so, clean install is must less stressful for sure.

    Permanent activation as with Retail/OEM keys is just that - moving house/ISP whatever - subsequent to once-off on-line activation, the licence is on the PC, no matter what - it will stay activated - the only thing MS does is check validation(genuineness) periodically when on-line - if you are, no worries.
      My Computer


 

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