OS install

[Wingfan]

Hello,

Its been about 4yrs since I installed Windows 10 and need some help. 

 

I currently have my OS on a sata SSD. I have an M.2 I want to put it on, which will need to be wiped before hand. Not sure on the correct way to do this.

I remember I used a USB to install,  but its been so long.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

System specs below

[Eigenvektor]

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, it should help you do everything else.

 

It will create a bootable USB stick that you can use to install Windows. No need for format the drive beforehand, the installer will do that for you if the drive is unused. Otherwise, you can remove all existing partitions and format the drive from within the installer (that will remove any data, so if there's anything you want to keep, make sure to create backups).

 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d#ID0EJD=Windows_10

 

~edit: it is good practice to disconnect all drives that you do not want to install Windows on before doing the installation. That prevents mistakes like accidentally wiping the wrong drive and also issues like Windows installer putting system partitions on the wrong drive.

[Wingfan]

32 minutes ago, Eigenvektor said:

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, it should help you do everything else.

 

It will create a bootable USB stick that you can use to install Windows. No need for format the drive beforehand, the installer will do that for you if the drive is unused. Otherwise, you can remove all existing partitions and format the drive from within the installer (that will remove any data, so if there's anything you want to keep, make sure to create backups).

 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d#ID0EJD=Windows_10

 

~edit: it is good practice to disconnect all drives that you do not want to install Windows on before doing the installation. That prevents mistakes like accidentally wiping the wrong drive and also issues like Windows installer putting system partitions on the wrong drive.

Thank you. 

 

 

[Wingfan]

@Eigenvektor

 

Will I need to re-enter the Windows key, if so where can I find it within Windows?

Going to try and do this tomorrow, its been crazy around here.

[Eigenvektor]

3 hours ago, Wingfan said:

@Eigenvektor

Will I need to re-enter the Windows key, if so where can I find it within Windows?

The Windows key is bound to your hardware, so you don't need to enter it again.

 

If you sign in with a Microsoft account, the key is bound to your account instead, and you can even transfer it to another computer (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665#ID0EBD=Windows_10).

 

You can't export the key manually.