Fresh Windows 10

[Siq]

I've ordered a new CPU, Mobo and Ram to put into my system and I'm looking to reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10 Home to my SSD.

My SSD already has a copy of Windows on it. 

I'm curious to the steps before changing hardware to ready my SSD for the new install. 

 

I can't quiet remember, but don't you just set boot drive to the USB (Windows 10 Home USB), and then format/partition the SSD from inside the installation?

[Zando_]

Yup. Make sure to write down your Win10 key first, as you're using a new mobo. 

[Billy_Mays]

You don't need to have a fresh install of windows every build

[Zando_]

1 minute ago, Billy_Mays said:

You don't need to have a fresh install of windows every build

You don't need to, but it saves you from having to DDU and stuff like that. 

[xitywampas]

2 minutes ago, Billy_Mays said:

You don't need to have a fresh install of windows every build

I would. I've seen several people have problems moving to a new board.

[Enderman]

2 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

Yup. Make sure to write down your Win10 key first, as you're using a new mobo. 

That's not what you do with windows 10.

The way to transfer a key to new hardware is by logging in with a microsoft account.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

[Enderman]

3 minutes ago, Billy_Mays said:

You don't need to have a fresh install of windows every build

You do if you want windows to work properly and not have a bunch of issues in the future.

[xitywampas]

1 minute ago, Enderman said:

That's not what you do with windows 10.

The way to transfer a key to new hardware is by logging in with a microsoft account.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

I do not have a Microsoft account and have had W10 on 2 main boards and 3 different drives. I just use my old W7 key or the key from the registry.

[Zando_]

3 minutes ago, Enderman said:

That's not what you do with windows 10.

The way to transfer a key to new hardware is by logging in with a microsoft account.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

But then you have to get a Microsoft Account, and for me, at least, I've got enough accounts already. 

[Enderman]

1 minute ago, xitywampas said:

I do not have a Microsoft account and have had W10 on 2 main boards and 3 different drives. I just use my old W7 key or the key from the registry.

But not all at the same time right? You just reactive it using your old key.

 

1 minute ago, Zando Bob said:

But then you have to get a Microsoft Account, and for me, at least, I've got enough accounts already. 

It's easier to have the key bound to an account so that you don't lose it or accidentally have the key stay bound to your old motherboard.

When it's on an account you have the option of disabling it on old systems so that you can use it on a new system.

If it gets stuck on the old system (like I have seen happen to some people) it will be impossible to activate the new system unless you rebuild the old system and force deactivate it, or buy a new windows copy altogether.

[xitywampas]

2 minutes ago, Enderman said:

But not all at the same time right? You just reactive it using your old key.

Yea just reactivate.

[Siq]

Let me clarify, I bought a new Windows Key, because I'm certain the windows I was given, wasn't legit. So the fresh install is necessary.

[Billy_Mays]

Just now, Zando Bob said:

You don't need to, but it saves you from having to DDU and stuff like that. 

Ah