Windows 10: Install Windows 8.1. on new hard disk before upgrading to Windows 10?

I have a laptop that came with Windows 8.1. The hard drive failed and has been replaced with a new hard drive. If I want to install Windows 10 on this laptop, do I first need to install Windows 8.1. and then perform the upgrade to Windows 10, or can I just install Windows 10? Will Windows 10 use the Windows 8.1 license key in the BIOS to activate? Or will this not work unless I first install Windows 8.1. and then upgrade to Windows 10?

This computer has never had Windows 10 on it.

The computer has a new unformatted hard disk that has never had Windows 8.1. installed.

:)

 

Windows 10 upgrade with new hard drive

If you install Windows 10 on a blank hard disk you will have to buy a Windows 10 license. If you upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 you won't need a Windows 10 license.

After you have upgraded Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, you can move your installation to a new hard disk without needing a license.

Never, ever upgrade over a problem. That is an operating system installers first rule. If you're going to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, solve your problems with Windows 8.1 first. Otherwise, you're just asking for trouble.

 

Windows 10 upgrade with new hard drive

Hi,

I have a Toshiba computer that came with Windows 8 and later it was automatically upgraded to Windows 8.1. The machine is eligible for the free Windows 10 upgrade. I registered for the update and the
Get Windows 10 app downloaded the necessary files, so the next step would be to start the upgrade process (see screenshot).

Unfortunately, however, I am experiencing issues with my computer that suggest an impending hard disk failure (unexplained slowdowns, 100% disk activity, very low disk response times, frequent crashes etc), so I want to replace my
HDD before the upgrade. But I am not sure how I can claim my free upgrade if I start with a new HDD? What would be the appropriate procedure here to replace the hard disk and still be able to install Windows 10?
Thanks,
Andras

 

The newest download of Windows 10 will read the Windows product key in bios stored in bios and use that to both install and activate with as long as the ISO you download contains a version of Windows 10 compatible with the version of Windows 8 the product key is good for.

Windows 10 ISO Download - Windows 10 Forums
USB Flash Drive - Create to Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums

 

I downloaded a new image on 10th of January. I think it is build 10586. Will that one work? I also have the original RTM 10240.

Thanks for your reply.

 

You want the build 10586 downloaded in January.