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How to reinstall Windows 10 with a new hard drive?

Anonymous
2019-01-12T15:18:24+00:00

Hello,

I recently purchased a certified refurbished computer that has nice stats, and a tiny hard drive. The first thing I want to do is swap out the hard drive for a bigger one. My computer came with a certificate with the computer's Win 10 registration number, but I did not get a DVD or USB drive to reinstall Windows with. Once I swap out drives, I no longer have an OS.

My question: how do I install Windows 10 once I swap out the hard drive?

Thanks in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DaveM121 872.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-01-12T15:22:11+00:00

    Hi LumpyP , you can reinstall Windows 10 at any time, you will not need a Product Key, Activation will be automatic and it will not cost you anything !

    Since you previously had Windows 10 installed and activated on that PC during the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC', and activation will not be an issue, your PC will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers

    Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

    to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can download the latest Windows 10 ISO (Select Create Installation Media for Another PC), you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool

    Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 10

    If you have problems booting from a boot disc, you may have UEFI BIOS:

    Insert the Bootable Installation Media, then go into your BIOS and make the following changes:

    1. Disable Secure Boot
    2. Enable Legacy Boot
    3. If Available enable CSM
    4. If Required enable USB Boot
    5. Move the device with the bootable disc to the top of the boot order
    6. Save BIOS changes, restart your System and it should boot from the Installation Media

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-12T15:33:56+00:00

    Hi, LumpyP,

    If you replace the hard drive ensure you have the Original Product Key.

    You may find the key by opening PowerShell (Admin)

    Right click on Start > Select PowerShell (Admin)

    Copy/paste the following into the Window then Press Enter

    wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

    The Window that appears will reveal the Product Key. Write it down and keep it in a safe place when finished.

    Create a Recovery Copy of the OS you now have just in case you need it for the new hard drive. The Digital License is tied to the Original Product key on the unit. Start > Type Recovery

    If given the option to create a Backup use it.

    When finished, Use the Media Creation tool to download the .iso file from here.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

    Once you've downloaded the .iso file you can burn it to USB to Install Windows 10 on the Unit. You'll need a third-party tool such as Imgburn or Rufus to create the files.

    See these detailed instructions for creating the media.

    https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-burn-an-iso-fil...;

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Once you've created the media perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10. Follow these steps.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/for...

    Note: Andre Da Costa is a trusted Microsoft MVP

    10 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Brink 16,560 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-01-12T18:17:36+00:00

    Hello Lumpy,

    Option 1 in the tutorial below can show you how to create a bootable Windows 10 USB using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html

    Afterwards, the tutorial below can help show you how to do a clean install of Windows 10 to your new hard drive using the bootable USB. 

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-clean-install-windows-10-a.html

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2019-01-12T15:58:33+00:00

    Hello LumpyP,

    I'm Independent Advisor, here to help you with your question.

    You can clean install Windows 10 on new drive.

    Follow this step-by-step guide:

    https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-make-clean-ins...

    Hope this helps!

    Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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