Clean install Windows 11 in one go on a branded laptop which came with pre installed Windows 10. Don't have product key. - Microsoft Q&A (2024)

FAQs

Clean install Windows 11 in one go on a branded laptop which came with pre installed Windows 10. Don't have product key. - Microsoft Q&A? ›

No worries you can just clean install and your Windows will be activated as you have a digital license. As Windows 10 is preinstalled you have a Digital license. A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 11) is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key.

Yes, it is possible to do a fresh install of Windows 11 on your PC after changing the motherboard and CPU, while using a Windows 10 digital license connected to your Microsoft account.

Yes, users can activate Windows 11 using a Windows 10 product key. If your system already has an assigned digital license for Windows 10, it should automatically activate.

Interestingly, you can install Windows 11 without immediately entering an activation key. The process is similar to a regular installation. However, you'll notice an option to "I don't have a product key" during setup, which you can select to proceed.

The easiest way to do this is to visit Microsoft's Windows 10 download page on your Windows 11 PC and look for the Create Windows 10 installation media option. Download the tool, open it, and then follow the steps on the screen. You'll want to make sure you choose the option to Upgrade this PC now.

You will not lose your license when you reinstall Windows 11 and therefore there is no need to worry about it.

A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 11) is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key. A product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. What you'll see is PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

Find your product key in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or Windows 11 in a digital locker accessible through the retailer's website.

Reasons why you might see these errors: You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different product key or buy a new product key. You upgraded to Windows 11, but the activation servers were busy.

Does the Windows 11 usb come with a product key? ›

A: Yes, all purchases come with a activation key.

Step 1: Search for Windows Update in the Windows search bar and select the relevant result. Step 2: If your PC is fully up to date, there's a good chance it will already be pushing the Windows 11 update on you. All you have to do is select the blue Download and Install button to get started.

Restart your PC while holding the Shift key to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Once in the Windows Recovery Environment, choose to boot from the USB drive. On the Windows Setup page, select your language, time and keyboard preferences and then select Next. Select Install now.

In Windows 11, start by going to Settings > System > Activation (on Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation). The Pro upgrade no longer accepts product keys from older versions, but a Windows 10 Pro key can be used with Windows 11 and vice-versa.

If Windows 11 wasn't pre-installed on your device when purchased and you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 11, then you'll need that same product key after the hardware change. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key, then enter the product key.

Both options are available, and you can select one based on your needs. Specifically, perform a Windows 11 upgrade if you wish to keep your files, apps, and settings. And if you want a clean Windows, Windows 11 clean installation is a better choice.