Question About Reinstalling Windows 10

Warning:

Please read all of the information in red print.

Occasionally, PC users have to reinstall Windows to fix issues or viruses on their computer. By reinstalling Windows 10 you risk losing EVERYTHING saved to your computer. Please DO NOT REINSTALL WINDOWS without seeking advice from a professional first.

Also, DormNet DOES NOT REINSTALL WINDOWS for our customers, however we will help you with any questions or concerns you have about this issue. However, we have a list of professionals in the area that can handle the task. And, we can also show you the steps you need to take to do it on your own via the Microsoft support website.

I decided to write this blog, in order to answer a frequently asked question

Question:

Microsoft provided a free upgrade to Windows 10 for any Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 machines, but the upgrade did not come with a serial number and obviously did not come with an installation DVD. If i need to reformat my hard drive and reinstall the operating system, then what do I do? How do I reactivate Windows (without a product key/serial number)?

Answer:

You may not even need a product key (serial number) to activate Windows 10 after a clean installation depending on how you upgraded, and the version you were previously using. Windows 10, version 1511, was released last November as a system update. Microsoft claims that product keys for many versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 can now be used for version 1511. Product Keys for Enterprise editions of the older Windows versions, volume licenses, and or counterfeit copies of Windows will NOT work.

When Windows 10 was first released as an upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, Microsoft was activating the new software with what it called a "digital entitlement" which took the place of a product key. If your PC is fully upgraded, if it is a legitimate version of Windows 10, and if it was activated without errors, then the digital entitlement should give you permission to reinstall Windows 10 whenever. Side note: Microsoft says that if you had to make major changes to the PC's hardware, like replacing the motherboard, you might have to call Microsoft Customer Support to reclaim and reactivate Windows 10.

Before you reinstall Windows 10, you need to be sure that system has been activated. First go to the Settings from the Start menu, then to Update & Security, and then to Activation. When you go through the process of reinstalling Windows 10, it may ask for a product key. If you did not use the number from an older version of Windows to originally activate the software, click Skip. Windows 10 should proceed to activate itself automatically after it finishes installing.

If you have to completely reinstall Windows 10, there are several ways you can do this: a previously created recovery drive, or from Windows 10 installation software on a DVD or USB drive. The Microsoft Software Download page has all the tools you will need to create a bootable DVD or USB recovery drive. You may also want to refer to the Microsoft FAQ page for extra help.

I received most of this information from J. D. Biersdorfer in an article on NYTimes.com.

2nd Warning:

Many students will never have to reinstall Windows 10. This blog was written as an answer to a frequently asked question. Please speak to DormNet or a PC repair shop before you attempt to reinstall Windows 10.