Windows 10: Free upgrade of Win 8.1 to Win 10 via USB key downloaded via Media Creation Tool

Long story which I won't share, but obtained a laptop with OEM Win 8.1 home which I rescued for use as a backup machine.

Lots of info on the web that says still can get a free upgrade to Win 10, which I'd prefer doing.

I used the Media Creation Tool to create a Win 10 install USB memory stick.

Machine has been backed up and I want to retain files and user data rather than wipe that away. It's OK to reinstall programs.

First:
I'm concerned whether this really is free and whether the existing 34 character product key will be retained and is valid.

Second:
I'd also like instructions to get a copy of the key - just in case.

Third:
I've seen instructions for how to do an upgrade directly after using the Media Creation Tool, but none that state how to do it after previously creating the USB memory stick.

Thanks in advance.

:)

 

Windows 10 USB boot

Hi there, am not a windows 10 expert. I have a pc in the bedroom on windows 10, I messed up the bootloader trying to fix the xp on that system.

System wont boot, trying to repair via win 10 usb installer.

Downloaded the media creation tool to install windows 10 installer on usb stick. Not compatible with a host of usb sticks I have. Tried the usb sticks that others use, but I think they use rufus; as the media creation tool by win 10 does not detect the usb stick.

So quick question, the win10 machine i am trying to repair the bootloader is a win7 upgraded to win10.
If i were to use the usb win10 installer to "repair installation" does the version of the iso downloaded via the media creation tool matter?

There is three options:
Windows 10
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 N

Also is there a step by step instead of using rufus as I want to try an alternative method of creating a usb win 10 installer. Preferably with more compatibility.

System is a asus sabertooth 990 (r2?) with AMD phenom X 6.

Also is there any other software I can load onto the usb that can repair the bootloader easily?
That would be the ideal alternative. Thanks

 

Media Creation Tool disappear while downloading win 10 at 69%

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I don't know which third party downloader allows resume functions.

• Is it any direct download link for windows 10 as same as windows 7?
  
• How to use third party downloader to download windows 10?

If you have any recommended links to get windows 10, kindly suggest me. I'm very fascinating to use win 10. But i'm very dissappointing with this tool. I tried this tool (Media Creation Tool) more than 3 times. It disappeared above 50% at different levels.

My suggestion is, Give us a direct link to download windows 10.

 

media creation tool for win 10

media creation tool win 10 downloaded complete but i don't find the iso file ?

where to find it ?