Question Clean Reinstall Windows 11: How to keep the digital license?
Question Clean Reinstall Windows 11: How to keep the digital license?
Hi,
I found the pinned guide helpful, but I’m still confused about this:
I have W11 Home installed and activated, but the key isn’t linked to a Microsoft account since I use a local one.
Now, I want to perform a clean reinstall of the OS (using the media creation tool or USB drive method).
Will Windows automatically reactivate with the same license once I connect to the internet after the clean reinstall and format of the C partition?
Or do I need to create a Microsoft account and link the key?
This is my current disk setup (just in case):
C: SSD dedicated to OS/Software (which I plan to completely format and then reinstall W11)
D: SSD only for games (already formatted and emptied before)
E: Hard disk dedicated to personal files/Media storage (I moved everything I want to carry over into a "backup" folder).
The origin of your license was previously where it was issued, and it was activated through the standard process outlined in the documentation.
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.