Windows 10: How do I get the free Windows 10 back after Reformatting Computer?

Last spring, I had Windows 10 downloaded to my computer by one of those popup windows which apparently said do u want to download updates in 10 minutes, 1 hr, or 4 hrs? While I was gone, Windows 10 downloaded to my computer and
when I got home, I had windows 10 on my computer instead of Win 7 Pro.

2 weeks ago, I signed on email one morning and that was all I could do. Outlook would work, but I could not access and
websites; only Outlook. Tried several things but could never get IE, or other browsers to work. I reformatted the computer
which took it back to Win 7 Pro. Since the deadline is past, I don't seem to be able to get win 10 back, without purchasing a DVD? Anyone have any ideas?

:)

 

Free version windows 10, how do I get it back after new drive installed

It is a minor change so

It automatically activates when PC goes online , as far as I know . Also the old key should work for Windows 10 as well .

 

How to reserve Windows 10 upgrade for free

I had to reformat my Lenovo 50 it has 8.1 and I had a free windows 10 upgrade .how do I get it back to windows 10

 

The install media for windows 10 is freely downloadable from Microsoft. Because you took the free upgrade you now have a digital licence recorded on Microsoft's activation severs, tied to your PC's hardware. You can do a clean install and it will activate automatically. You don't need to enter a product key, just click 'I don't have one' when asked.

Instructions on how to get a bootable USB and how to do the clean install are in this Tutorial.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html

If you wish, you can also use the install media to upgrade your newly restored Windows 7 to Windows 10. Again, your existing digital licence will activate Windows 10 automatically.

 

Hi bkbobb and welcome to Tenforums.
Once a system has seen Windows 10 installed and activated, it can be reinstalled/clean installed as often as you like/need. It should activate using the digital entitlement saved on the MS servers. The activation is for the life of the device.

In your case, I would grab the W7 key code (using ShowKeyPlus), then download Windows 10 install media and clean install Windows 10 on your system. You shouldn't have to input a key when installing; you should be able to skip that part. But, just in case, have the key written down to use if necessary.
Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums
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Thank you for the information. I will try that over the weekend. When I got to typing in the key, nothing would work so
that may have been my problem. should I back up what I have restored in win 7 pro?*Smile

 

You could make a Macrium image, so if things go sour, you can just restore the image and be right back where you started very easily.
Macrium Reflect - Backup Restore - Windows 10 Forums
.

 

Typing in the key for what ?

You do not have to enter a key when you clean install 10, just click skip, it will auto activate when you get online.

 

If I remember correctly, I tried typing in the key for the Win 7 Pro disk that I had and that's where I got hung up. Thanks for the info.

 

Most of us are so used to needing a Product Key, but, Windows 10 has a unique concept.

 

I wanted to know about disk cloning lately. But never bothered about googling you just saved my Minutes *Wink

Thanks, A Lot simrick

 

Welcome! *Smile

 

Do the Clean Install that Bree suggested. It will remember the key when it activates.