Windows 10: Reinstalling Windows 10 from a Prior Upgrade

I upgraded my Windows 8.1 desktop to Windows 10 in August using the ISO Media file. Due to a computer crash I had to reinstall Windows 8 from the original Windows 8 disk. I ran the update to install all Windows 8 updates so that the computer would be ready for Windows 10. I then went to the Microsoft site to run the ISO Media file. However, during the setup process it asks for a Windows 10 product key which naturally I do not have. I tried using my Windows 8 product key but it would not accept it. Is there a way now to upgrade to Windows 10? If not, then I will just stick with Windows 8.1 until Microsoft forces me to upgrade to Window 10 via the Automatic upgrade process.

:)

 

Have all my Windows.old files: can't go back to 8.1

I thought that it only keeps that option available for 30 days after upgrade to Windows 10. If you have saved those files separately, I am not sure what the process would be to make use of them. Windows.old could also be from prior to the update that came
out last August from the prior Windows 10 version, so it might depend on when you upgraded from 8.1 to 10.

If you really want to reinstall 8.1, you could probably download it, wipe your hard disk and reinstall from nothing. You would have to backup and restore data, and reinstall any software.

 

How to update window10 offline?

From Windows 10 FAQ:

"Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need to purchase Windows 10 or go back to your prior version of Windows and upgrade again.

You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded."

 

Yes, just click Skip when asked for a key. Make sure you select the correct version Home or Pro that you had before, or it will not activate.

 

Use the "Upgrade this PC now" option of the Media Creation Tool. If you are trying to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 again and it is asking you for a product key, then you have the wrong version downloaded.

Since you've upgraded once already on that computer - there is no need to start over with Windows 8.1. If you download the same version of Windows 10 you had before and are entitled to and create an installation USB or DVD you can just clean install Windows 10. That is when you would "skip" or "do this later" when asked for a product key.

 

I think your best option is a clean install with the correct version and skip the product key page. Your hardware should be logged with Microsoft so you don't have any activation issues. Upgrade installs, where you install on top of a previous install, have issues.

 

I have spent two entire days on this and it is too complicated for me to understand so I have decided to just stick with Windows 8.1.

 

There is no complication in this. Boot with Windows 10 DVD-ROM or USB install media you have prepared. Start setup and at the disks delete any partitions (assuming you already have a backup of your data). Proceed with the installation. When asked for a key click skip and select Windows 10 Home, if you had 8.1 core or Windows 10 Pro if you had 8.1 Pro. Leave it finish (can restart automatically many times until complete). Complete the initial user account etc stage and when at the desktop install any drivers. Then run Windows Update to install any remaining drivers you didn't have and you should be OK.

 

If all you want to do is repeat what you did in August, simply mount the exact same ISO file and, in File Explorer, browse to the mounted ISO and double click on setup.exe. Brink makes it crystal clear in Steps 6, 7, and onward of his tutorial found here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...tallation.html You should NOT be prompted for a Product Key.

All this stuff about skipping the key has to do with a clean install and is certainly applicable if you don't want to simply redo what you did to upgrade initially.

 

After working on it for another of hours I was able to do a clean install of Windows 10. Thanks for the help.