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Can I do a clean install of windows 11 for free (I have a valid win 10 key)

Wouter Baptist 6 Reputation points
2021-10-10T13:35:08.447+00:00

I want to upgrade my windows 10 to windows 11, I understand I can do so for free. But that requires me to install win 11 over win 10 and it won't let me. My win 10 drive has a MBR so I can't activate UEFI mode and secure boot. I tried converting the MBR to a GPT but it doesn't work. And I really want to do a clean install anyway as win 10 has been giving me issues the last few months.

So my question is can I do a clean install of win 11 while using the free upgrade offer? And if so, how do I do that?

Thanks,
Wouter

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other

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  1. Kapil Arya 8,546 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-10-11T12:27:18.493+00:00

    You can make a clean install, if your system meets Windows 11 requirements: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-make-clean-install-of-windows-11/789f6891-7261-4c40-a632-6a44e53a3e30

    Backup Windows 10 data first. Use Windows RE to convert your disk from MBR to GPT.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Limitless Technology 39,931 Reputation points
    2021-10-12T07:57:43.35+00:00

    Hi there,

    Yes, Windows 11 is free for Windows 10 users and as it is a digital license ( considering the license was purchased by you ) you can clean install the PC with Windows 11 ISO. Once it is done you can activate the Product using the Digital license you purchased.
    How to: Perform a Clean Install or Reinstall of Windows 10
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstall-of/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08

    If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Docs 16,226 Reputation points
    2021-10-11T07:46:14.757+00:00

    When windows is reinstalled it checks the hardware id's.
    It is not linked to a Microsoft account.
    So an end user can clean install or replace a drive without having activation problems.

    Activation problems could occur if the motherboard were replaced:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

    If the are problems after clean install then:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-the-activation-troubleshooter-d717cdff-cf19-9770-7198-40119c2a696c
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-help-with-windows-activation-errors-09d8fb64-6768-4815-0c30-159fa7d89d85
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/global-customer-service-phone-numbers-c0389ade-5640-e588-8b0e-28de8afeb3f2

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
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