Can I reinstall W10 from scratch without repaying the license.

Olive · 07 Apr 2017

Many computers come with Windows 10 preinstalled. I wonder if I can simply reinstall W10 from scratch (from the iso provided by Microsoft) without having to pay for the license? Will the license of the preinstalled Windows work for this new installation (provided I install the same version, home, professional, etc.)?

The motivation is simple. Many preinstalled Windows comes with a lot of junkware. I prefer to have a clean installation. Also, this will allow me to remove any recovery partition that takes space for nothing (since I can always reinstall from the official media).

dalchina · 07 Apr 2017

E.g.
Windows 10: Will you lose your free upgrade if you reinstall? - TechRepublic

Activation should be automatic.

You can remove that partition at any time you like using Disk Management, during the re-installation, or with a 3rd party partition manager.

AddRAM · 08 Apr 2017

Yes, you can always reinstall W10 on the same hardware and it will auto activate once you`re online.

After that, create disk images so you don`t have to reinstall from scratch. :)

Olive · 08 Apr 2017

OK, this auto activation works for preinstalled windows too. I knew it works with the free upgrade but I had doubt about preinstalled W10. Good to know if you want a clean install.