Setting up Windows 10 on a fresh SSD again.

11-29-2016, 12:35 AM

Hello everyone, we acquired two new SSDs on Black Friday (480GB and 960GB). My old drive will be transferred to a different PC soon. The new 480GB will serve as my daily OS driver on the main machine, and I plan to perform a clean installation. I’m curious about the licensing key—people often face issues with Windows 10 activation. I used ProduKey to verify my Windows 10 key, but I suspect Microsoft tracks hardware and may restrict activation. What’s the best approach? Current notes: Windows 8.1 upgraded to Windows 10. I want a clean install, not an upgrade. Thanks for your assistance (hopefully). P.S. I wasn’t part of the forums before because I’m very lazy.

Amber_Playzzz

11-29-2016, 12:35 AM #1

TrueBit
Senior Member

590

12-13-2016, 08:23 PM

On Windows 10, your CD key is linked to your motherboard. Previously, people thought it was connected to the HDD, though that wasn't accurate. For reference, you can't obtain your genuine CD key without an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) key.

TrueBit

12-13-2016, 08:23 PM #2

AzoTax
Member

209

12-15-2016, 03:27 AM

You can simply perform a clean install on the SSD and it will start working automatically once you connect online—no need to follow the activation steps in the installation wizard. The key is linked to your motherboard. I installed it on my PC/laptop after an upgrade because the original setup failed, and I chose a clean install for extra safety on the laptop. If you encounter issues during installation, it could be due to a corrupted ISO file from the Windows 10 downloader (this happened to me too—I had to re-download it).

AzoTax

12-15-2016, 03:27 AM #3

ladymorepork
Posting Freak

791

12-15-2016, 03:48 AM

Hey team, thanks!

ladymorepork

12-15-2016, 03:48 AM #4

Hey team, thanks!

DatDrop
Member

190

12-22-2016, 11:22 AM

It might be my misunderstanding, but it appears only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of Windows are restricted by hardware.

DatDrop

12-22-2016, 11:22 AM #5

It might be my misunderstanding, but it appears only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of Windows are restricted by hardware.

Rubrew
Junior Member

12-23-2016, 08:08 AM

Retail and pre-installed keys are connected to the motherboard, though certain resellers offer exclusive offers with Microsoft.

Rubrew

12-23-2016, 08:08 AM #6

Retail and pre-installed keys are connected to the motherboard, though certain resellers offer exclusive offers with Microsoft.

Mr_Floobiful
Posting Freak

890

12-23-2016, 11:42 AM

I simply followed the key ProduKey recommended and everything verified correctly.

Mr_Floobiful

12-23-2016, 11:42 AM #7

I simply followed the key ProduKey recommended and everything verified correctly.