Best Way Preserve Windows 10 for Later Use?

[bruce20]

Hi Guys,

I've upgraded to Windows 10 from my Windows 8.1.

But since Windows 10 is available FREE until July 29, 2016, so my question is """In case I had to format my PC & do a Fresh Windows 10 Installation after July 29, 2016, how can I do so FREE of Cost""".

What is the best way to preserve Windows 10?

Thanks.

 

[InvalidError]

Google "Microsoft Windows 10 download tool"

One of the first results should be a link directly from Microsoft to a program that lets you create Windows 10 boot media in either USB or DVD format.

 

[johnnyb105]

Right here is your iso both 32 bit and 64 bit...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

[bruce20]

Google "Microsoft Windows 10 download tool"

One of the first results should be a link directly from Microsoft to a program that lets you create Windows 10 boot media in either USB or DVD format.

Are you referring Windows Media Creation Tool?

 

[InvalidError]

Are you referring Windows Media Creation Tool?

Yes.

There is one for Windows 8 and 8.1 too.

 

[bruce20]

Are you referring Windows Media Creation Tool?

Yes.

There is one for Windows 8 and 8.1 too.

OK, I've downloaded Media Creation Tool & I see options to make iso as well as a bootable USB. I'll use both options to make 2 medias for myself.

Question: Can I use the above created Windows 10 USB drive to do a Fresh Windows 10 Install without 1st Installing Windows 8.1? (OR I must 1st install Windows 8.1 & then I can Install Windows 10?

Also, it will be free to use above created medias after July 29, 2016 as well, RIGHT?

 

[InvalidError]

The official story is that you need to upgrade an existing system to Win10 first to generate the new product key for the target system. Once that is done, you can re-install Win10 clean on said system.

This bugs me since I have Win8/8.1 full retail and this makes it sound like my retail license will get converted to OEM and I like installing Windows on a spare/new HDD so I always have the option of reverting by swapping the boot HDD if something goes wrong.

 

[bruce20]

The official story is that you need to upgrade an existing system to Win10 first to generate the new product key for the target system. Once that is done, you can re-install Win10 clean on said system.

This bugs me since I have Win8/8.1 full retail and this makes it sound like my retail license will get converted to OEM and I like installing Windows on a spare/new HDD so I always have the option of reverting by swapping the boot HDD if something goes wrong.

My Windows 8.1 Single Language came with my laptop. I've already upgraded my Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.

How can I generate a new product key?

 

[InvalidError]

Microsoft stores the system's hardware signature on their servers during the 8.1-to-10 upgrade process. If you re-install Win10 on the same PC after the original activation, you should be able to skip the activation key step and let Windows automatically re-activate itself based on the hardware signature.

 

[British_and_Proud]

Hi Guys,

I've upgraded to Windows 10 from my Windows 8.1.

But since Windows 10 is available FREE until July 29, 2016, so my question is """In case I had to format my PC & do a Fresh Windows 10 Installation after July 29, 2016, how can I do so FREE of Cost""".

What is the best way to preserve Windows 10?

Thanks.

If you had to do a factory reset, it would reset to Windows 10, NOT your previous edition of Windows. So you're safe, you don't need to re download and install Windows 10 each time you reset.

 

[bruce20]

Microsoft stores the system's hardware signature on their servers during the 8.1-to-10 upgrade process. If you re-install Win10 on the same PC after the original activation, you should be able to skip the activation key step and let Windows automatically re-activate itself based on the hardware signature.

So if after 2 years from now, I do a FRESH Windows 10 installation either from Windows 10 ISO or Windows 10 USB made using Media Creation Tool, it will activate automatically?

Is this a 100% SURE?

 

[InvalidError]

That is how it is supposed to work. Upgrade a PC to Win10, Windows 10 upgrades your 7/8.1 license to 10 and ties it to your hardware signature on Microsoft's activation servers, no key required for future re-installs on the same hardware.