I accidentally formatted my genuine windows OS. But i have producat key, can i use this product key again?

Question

I accidentally formatted my genuine Windows OS.and install an OS without product key, so could I use the same windows product key?

Answer 1

Hi @PC ,

if your product key is for the same version of the new installed OS it's ok and will work.
For instance: Product key for "Windows 10 Home" and installed version is "Windows 10 Home".

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten

Answer 2

Which windows edition / version: 7, 8, 10, 11, server?

If Windows 10 were ever upgrade the licensing data is on Microsoft servers.

This enables end users to replace disk drives, format drives, clean install, etc.

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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Answer 3

Hi @PC ,

As you have only formatted you can reactivate the Windows on the same machine if it is an Retail Key that you have used to activate the Windows.

Once you install the Windows try this

Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Activation

Change product key and then enter the Key you have , this should activate your copy .

You can also try the steps as per the below link

Reactivating Windows after a hardware change
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665
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