[SOLVED] Windows Key Needed On Fresh Install?

[jimlau]

I plan to replace my HD. I can't find the key to my W10 Pro. I tried the command prompt and the shell commands, but nada. If all I am doing is changing the HD, will Windows recognize this and I am good to go, or do I need the key?
Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

Where did your license come from?

A fresh install almost certainly does not incur any license issues, or need to input the license key.

When the system goes online later, it will cheeck in with the activation server farm, and activate itself.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[dorsai]

As long as you log in with the same Windows account and the rest of the hardware is the same you should be ok. If you get an error when you validate a valid/legal Windows install you can call Microsoft directly and explain you needed to replace your HHD and they will activate if for you manually if needed.