How you activate Windows 10 after reinstalling it depends on how Windows 10 was originally installed on your device. Using a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key in this topic. For more info, see the section Activating Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher)
If you do a clean install of Windows 10 by booting off the media, you can also enter the product key from prior Windows versions on qualifying devices during setup."Īdditional information: Starting with the November update, Windows 10 (Version 1511) can be activated using most Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys.
> Update & security > Activation and selecting Change Product Key. If you install thisīuild of the Windows 10 Insider Preview on a PC and it doesn’t automatically activate, you can enter the product key from Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 used to activate the prior Windows version on the same device to activate Windows 10 by going to Settings "We have received a lot of feedback from Insiders on making it easier to activate Windows 10 on devices that take advantage of the free upgrade offer to genuine Windows by using existing Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product keys.
How to use your Windows 7 / 8 or 8.1 Product key to activate Windows 10.Īctivation in Windows 10 - Microsoft improves activation process in Windows 10: To use Microsoft's Tech Bench web site to download a Windows 10 ISO file, create installation media and activate Windows 10 Note: The expiration of the links is 24 hours from the time of creation. Select your desired architecture (32-bit Download or 64-bit Download button) and then click ‘Save’. Next: Select your language then click the 'Confirm' button. Click the 'Confirm' button and wait while the option is validated (this may take a few seconds). The Windows 10 ISO file contains both Home and Professional versions, you have the option to select which edition you want when installing Guide to Using Microsoft's Tech Bench website to download the Windows 10 ISO fileĬlick the Select edition dropdown list box as shown below and choose your edition. You can also download the Windows 10 ISO file(s) version 1511 from Microsoft's Tech Bench, create your own installation media and use it to install Windows 10:
Will you be running the tool from a 32 bit or a 64 bit device? Download the version for the device that will run the tool." If this happens, remove the USB and restart your PC to continue with setup. If you don't, you may be prompted for a product key. If you create a USB and use it to install, make sure to remove the USB as soonĪs setup begins. You should NOT be asked for a product key during the upgrade process. " IMPORTANT: To upgrade for free, select Upgrade this PC now in the tool. Note: When you click on the above link, please read the instructions carefully. If you still can't start or complete the installation using the download version of Windows 10 then try using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool: Go to this this link and click on the 'Upgrade now' button and then click 'Run' to start the upgrade: Restart the computer and try downloading Windows 10 again. Install the latest Graphics driver update. See the end of my reply on more information on Image backup utilities.ĭisconnect all unnecessary devices (USB Thumb drives, Media cards, Etc.) just have the keyboard and mouse. Should anything go wrong during or after the upgrade you can use the backup to restore your previous version. Note: I suggest you make an Image Backup (to an external USB drive) of your current version of Windows before you attempt the upgrade. You can speed up the process by creating your own installation media. How to uninstall or remove Windows 10 from a Windows 7 dual boot computer
How to dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 10 Technical Preview (Concept is the same with the released version of Windows 10) To dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 7 after you upgraded to Windows 10 or have purchased a new Windows 10 PC Read the following Wiki: Clean Install Windows 10