windows 10 on a new ssd (Dell laptop with Windows 8)

Payne3d

Payne3d

Well-known member
so as I understand it, the Windows key is placed in the bios with pcs/latops made by companies like Dell. I don't see a licence sticker underneath the laptop.
I was thinking of buying a SSD to replace the mechanical drive which has windows 8 on it. How do I clean install Windows 10 on the ssd?
 
To do the free upgrade to Windows 10 you'll first have to do an upgrade install on the old HDD which will tie your licenses of Windows 10 to that computer.

Then you should be able to do a clean install on the SSD.
 
Loser-P said:
To do the free upgrade to Windows 10 you'll first have to do an upgrade install on the old HDD which will tie your licenses of Windows 10 to that computer.

Then you should be able to do a clean install on the SSD.
Click to expand...

I read somewhere that Microsoft was allowing clean installs of Windows 10 using your 7/8 keys, but I think I will just do it the way you mentioned.
Thanks.
 
Yeah if you make an ISO/USB key with the media creation tool now it should let you clean install with a Win 7/8 key, but you don't actually have the key to enter during setup.

I'm not sure how the installation handles bios embedded keys, so safer to do the upgrade method.
 
I just did a clean install on a new HP with Win 8.0 Pro pre installed. Did not require a key for activation, did not need to call it in even. If I tried clean installing 8.1 I would have to do a phone activation on an embedded 8.0 key.
 
GanjaStar said:
yes, if you have the newer 1511 iso's, it works that way, it didn't work on RTM.
Click to expand...

AFAIK, that only works with retail keys, as the activation process "consumes" the Win7/8.1 key. OEM and Volume License keys probably won't work.

Best bet would be to reinstall from a Dell Windows disc, then upgrade to Windows 10 with "keep nothing" selected.
 
GTwannabe said:
AFAIK, that only works with retail keys, as the activation process "consumes" the Win7/8.1 key. OEM and Volume License keys probably won't work.

Best bet would be to reinstall from a Dell Windows disc, then upgrade to Windows 10 with "keep nothing" selected.
Click to expand...

I don't think windows 10 is too picky with CD key activation. My bro activated windows 10 on his new PC using his HP laptop's OEM win7 CD key.:bleh:
 
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