Creating a Windows 10 install image

PaulButler

PaulButler

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I am thinking of building a replacement pc and would like to use my current copy of windows 10. I upgraded this a while back (the free upgrade that was offered from win 7).

As the new pc will have new everything just about (mainboard, cpu, graphics, disks etc) I'd like to do a fresh install of win 10. Trouble is the upgrade was a download and I cannot find any installation image.

I have found the Microsoft media creation tool on the ms website and wondered if I were to use that would it take the licence key with? I don't really want to pay for a new licence when I already own one.

The old pc will be broken up and sold as parts btw so will only be running the one copy.

TIA.
 
AFAIK the 'free' upgrade & license only applied to your original machine. If you're discarding the old computer then you could re-use your previous copy of windows, and I believe the free upgrade program hasn't been discontinued for those with visual impairment so can DL a 'free' copy of W10 if that does not cause your conscience problems. Otherwise you'll need a new license.
 
you cannot transfer windows.
you can build a new PC with a build Disk and you should be able to get one from an MS site.
You can then install W10 and you have 2 options, you can tell the PC you do not have a code.
It will check your computer BIOS and if it is a known brand such as DELL, HP, Lenove, ACER etc it may have an embedded code which will allow the activation of said licence.
or you will have to buy a licence.

The licence you have is for the old PC and hence is not transferable.
 
ancient_mariner said:
AFAIK the 'free' upgrade & license only applied to your original machine. If you're discarding the old computer then you could re-use your previous copy of windows, and I believe the free upgrade program hasn't been discontinued for those with visual impairment so can DL a 'free' copy of W10 if that does not cause your conscience problems. Otherwise you'll need a new license.
Click to expand...

yes but he would have to install w7 first and then possibly upgrade.
to install w10 fresh needs a compatible bios as i stated above or a code.
 
Oh well if that's the case then a new licence it will have to be.
 
use the tool above first on your old PC and see what it says
 
Mr Bump said:
use the tool above first on your old PC and see what it says
Click to expand...
Just done so and no key. As I've re-installed win 7 a few times in the past without issue it was worth asking the question. No worries, if a new licence is needed so be it.
 
you can install w10 and run without a licence, it just whines a bit and seek out a licence online.
 
Mr Bump said:
you can install w10 and run without a licence, it just whines a bit and seek out a licence online.
Click to expand...
Yep I know, but I'm never comfortable doing things like that so will get a licence. In the scheme of things it isn't a mega additional cost (about £85) but still would have been nice not to have to pay it :)
 
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