Installing Windows 10

[EarthboundHero]

So, I just got a new laptop and am upgrading to 10, but it's taking forever. I was gonna upgrade to 10, switch the HDD to an SSD, then re-install 10. From what I've heard you can use your old 7/8 key in the 10 install and it will automatically upgrade it. However since this is a laptop the key is tied into the BIOS. Will it work if I just switch the drive and install 10 without a key?

 

Thanks!

[wyattzx]

Once you upgrade to Windows 10, the key Windows uses to authenticate is tied to your motherboard. You can do a fresh install, and Windows 10 will automatically activate itself.

[EarthboundHero]

Just now, NonaHexa said:

Once you upgrade to Windows 10, the key Windows uses to authenticate is tied to your motherboard. You can do a fresh install, and Windows 10 will automatically activate itself.

Then issue is it's still installing. It's stuck on the, "Keep your PC on until this is done. Installing Update 1 of 1" screen. I was wondering if I could just shut it off and install Windows 10 from a USB.

[wyattzx]

Just now, EarthboundHero said:

Then issue is it's still installing. It's stuck on the, "Keep your PC on until this is done. Installing Update 1 of 1" screen. I was wondering if I could just shut it off and install Windows 10 from a USB.

I wouldn't recommend shutting your PC off if Windows 10 is installing. How long has it sat there?

[EarthboundHero]

Just now, NonaHexa said:

I wouldn't recommend shutting your PC off if Windows 10 is installing. How long has it sat there?

A few hours. I was gonna switch the drive anyways, so if it corrupted some files it wouldn't be an issue.

[wyattzx]

1 minute ago, EarthboundHero said:

A few hours. I was gonna switch the drive anyways, so if it corrupted some files it wouldn't be an issue.

I'm just worried that, if you attempt to clean install Windows 10, it won't accept your 7/8 key, because it's tied to the motherboard. Even if you're on the same motherboard, it might read the key as "used." It's worth a shot, though, if you want to try a clean install off of a USB drive. Worst comes to worst, pick up a Windows 7/8 key for $20 on r/microsoftsoftwareswap and use that.

[EarthboundHero]

Just now, NonaHexa said:

I'm just worried that, if you attempt to clean install Windows 10, it won't accept your 7/8 key, because it's tied to the motherboard. Even if you're on the same motherboard, it might read the key as "used." It's worth a shot, though, if you want to try a clean install off of a USB drive. Worst comes to worst, pick up a Windows 7/8 key for $20 on r/microsoftsoftwareswap and use that.

I don't want to risk anything, and have to spend more money. I'll just give it till morning. Thanks!

[Yongtjunkit]

I'm just worried that, if you attempt to clean install Windows 10, it won't accept your 7/8 key, because it's tied to the motherboard. Even if you're on the same motherboard, it might read the key as "used." It's worth a shot, though, if you want to try a clean install off of a USB drive. Worst comes to worst, pick up a Windows 7/8 key for $20 on r/microsoftsoftwareswap and use that.

With the latest version of Windows 10 you can install Windows 10 with 7/8/8.1 key. Works for me, it uses my windows 8 bios key to install as long as I click I don't have a product key. If you are upgrading from 7 then you need to enter the windows 7 product key

[EarthboundHero]

2 minutes ago, Yongtjunkit said:

With the latest version of Windows 10 you can install Windows 10 with 7/8/8.1 key. Works for me, it uses my windows 8 bios key to install as long as I click I don't have a product key. If you are upgrading from 7 then you need to enter the windows 7 product key

I finally got ti working. Thanks though!