How to reinstall W10 to a new SSD on laptop?

[Adam_233]

Hi

I just have a retail version I think of w10 that won't even let me make a boot drive on my 34GB stick because it says files are missing. I have a new SSD to replace the old HDD but have no way of installing W10 on it now... especially if I want to use the same key.

I called Laptops Direct and they said I would need to purchase an OEM version and install from DVD etc. I feel a bit cheated as I have already bought W10 and am not allowed to reinstall.

Please does anyone have any ideas on what I could do?

Thanks

 

[Colif]

On another PC, download the Windows 10 media creation tool and use it to make a win 10 installer on USB << boot drive, not sure how you were making other

don't need to pay for something thats free - you already have a licence.

 

[Adam_233]

ok thanks, but when I use that usb on the laptop with the new SSD I have to put a W10 key in after right? Not sure how I can get the current key from the laptop before I switch SSD.

 

[Colif]

Your pc has whats called a digital entitlement to always have win 10 installed on it. when you reach the screen asking for licence, click "I don't have a key" and win 10 will continue to install and reactivate once finished. when you either upgraded to win 10 or 1st activated it, it registered the licence, details of your PC and maybe your email address on Microsoft servers so the PC checks there once installed and activates itself.

This guide might help: : http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-windows-10-clean-install.html

 

[Adam_233]

Excellent! Thanks for your quick help buddy, appreciate it.