Question Clean Reinstall Windows 11: How to retain the Digital licence?

[FullMetalAlchemist]

Hi,

I read the very useful pinned guide, but i am still unsure about the following:

I have W11 Home installed and activated, but the key is not linked to a microsoft account as i just use a local account.

Now, i would like to do clean reinstall of the OS (using the media creation tool/usb drive method).

Will windows still be reactivated automatically with the same license as soon as i connect to internet after the clean reinstallation/format of the C partition?

Or do i have to create a microsoft account and link the key?



This is my current disk setup (just in case):

C: ssd dedicated to OS/Softwares (which i want to completely format and then reinstall W11)
D: ssd only for games (already formatted/emptied in preparation of the above)
E: Hardisk dedicated to personal files/Media storage (i moved everything i want to carry over to the new installation in here, within a "backup" folder).

 

[USAFRet]

Where did your license originally come from, and how is/was it activated?

 

[FullMetalAlchemist]

Where did your license originally come from, and how is/was it activated?

It is an OEM licence bought when i built the PC few years ago.

Windows activated after first installation by inserting the key and follow the standard procedure.

 

[Colif]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...e-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665
link shows how to attach licence to email address. Do that first and then it also shows how to re enable on new hardware