Posted September 13, 2017 (edited) So I built my PC back in may and didn't have a windows 10 license at the time. I recently got a Windows 10 Pro OEM key to activate my PC, only to realize that OEM keys need to be used on the first install of windows 10 on the computer. If I reinstall Windows 10 as a fresh install will my drives need to be re-partitioned / reformatted? -> TO CLARIFY: It's as if I am putting the HDD into a new machine while the SSD is getting windows 10 installed on it(in a new machine). Does this mean I will lose all access to files that were previously on the HDD? Edited September 13, 2017 by Guywithquestions Link to comment https://linustechtips.com/topic/834170-windows-10-clean-install-on-a-pc/ Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted September 13, 2017 Yes. If the drive is where the OS is installed. If there is a Windows 10 copy on it (unactivated for example) just enter the key Link to comment https://linustechtips.com/topic/834170-windows-10-clean-install-on-a-pc/#findComment-10426405 Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted September 13, 2017 Yes. That's the definition of a fresh install. QUOTE/TAG ME WHEN REPLYING Spend As Much Time Writing Your Question As You Want Me To Spend Responding To It. If I'm wrong, please point it out. I'm always learning & I won't bite. Laptop: Lenovo Yoga 7 Air: Ryzen 7840S, 32GiB DDR5 Desktop (Old but I never replaced it): Delidded Core i7 4770K - GTX 1070 ROG Strix - 16GB DDR3 @2000Mhz Link to comment https://linustechtips.com/topic/834170-windows-10-clean-install-on-a-pc/#findComment-10426407 Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted September 13, 2017 You should able to just active the OEM key as long you install the right version of window 10. In your case you need to have window 10 PRO edition installed. Magical Pineapples
