Fresh Install of Win 10 without Serial Key?

[Flogger23m]

Looking to reformat a laptops HDD, and then reinstall Win 10 fresh. The problem is it came pre-installed with Win 8 and I did the free upgrade to Win 10. How exactly would I re-format the HDD, reinstall Win 10 and ensure it reactivates properly? I don't see a Win 8 serial key anywhere in the contents of the box.

 

[dj-electric]

If the key is embedded (look for a windows sticker underneath the laptop) than it would actually perform activation automatically with a big chance of never asking you for a product key during installation.

source: did it about 50 times so far with WIN8-era laptops

 

[pigulici]

Just install the win10 with network activated.

 

[Vayra86]

If you did the regular upgrade its auto activated on 10. The key is tied to your motherboard.

 

[Kursah]

Microsoft Windows KMS client install keys work well fie these situations and test lab situations as well:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867(v=ws.11).aspx

That will let you install a Windows OS legitimately with a Microsoft provided install key.

They will not activate the OS, an activation key would be needed for.

 

[Readlight]

I use on win 8 laptop 8.1 because software is designed for it. You now they spy, google follows on you same as android need to start using LINEAGE. or Raspberry or Linux.

 

[micropage7]

you need to fresh install?
have you tried
https://www.howtogeek.com/220723/how-to-uninstall-windows-10-and-downgrade-to-windows-7-or-8.1/

 

[FireFox]

The key is tied to your motherboard

That.

It happened to me when i upgrade motherboard, just for curiosity i reinstalled the old motherboard and it didn't ask me to activate windows.