Windows 10: W10 re-installation for a machine that was upgraded from W81 to W10

I have a Linx 8 tablet that originally came with Windows 8.1.

I then upgraded to Windows 10 via the free update route during the year that it was offered.

However, the OS has become corrupted and the only thing that I have to be able to restore is the original Windows 8.1 factory image.

So my question is, now that the free Windows 10 upgrade period has ended, is it possible to re-install the original factory Windows 8.1 image and upgrade to Windows 10?

I'm guessing that Microsoft somewhere has a record of the tablet being upgraded to Windows 10 but how they would verify my particular tablet I don't know.

:)

 

THEN I can upgrade for free to w10 again anytime even in 2017 (after the 1 yr) for free

Suppose upgraded to w10 from w81 and decided after 5-days RECOVER w81 back... and do this. THEN I can upgrade for free to w10 again anytime even in 2017 (after the 1 yr) for free...?

 

Windows 10 is a mess

Phone companion is a mess

working with Bluray Drive is a mess - used to work in W8.1

install process on a new SSD is a mess - had to use W81 setup for this - then it worked with W10

privacy is a mess - bing for "W10 dial home"

 

If your upgraded Windows 10 installation was authenticated with a digital entitlement then you can just clean install Windows 10 without needing a licence key. You should find the PC is authenticated by the time you check (provided you have an internet connection). See the excellent guide at https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html

 

Bizzare ! - downloaded win 10 64 bit - which didn't ask for a key - but then asked If I wanted to install win 8.1 or win 10 - went for win 10 - installed and windows is activated.

 

I missed the free upgrade from Windows 8.1 but managed to install and activate Windows 10 in VMware Fusion 8.1. I simply used my Windows 8 OEM key to activate Windows 10!

I now have two VM's with Windows 10 (5011 & 1607)!

Can I - now that Windows 10 (5011 & 1607) relases are activated, upgrade my Windows 8.1 SSD with the 1607 anniversary Windows 10 ISO?

Thanks in advance for the help/directions!

Cheers

 

Anyone please?

Cheers

 

I think the VM and actual W10 installations need their own licence. It's confusing what license state you now have. You could just try the upgrade and hope it activates like it did originally. At worst you might need to call MS and sort out the activation if it doesn't work.

 

Thank you @steveC for your info's. I'll make a fresh backup then and just go along with the update! Fingers crossed ;-)

Cheers

 

What you have done here is not legal and eventually MS will block your old key.

You are only permitted one upgrade per original key.

As we are not permitted to discuss how to contravene EULA, then the only advice we can give you is to buy a new licence unless you delete the VMs and try to use old key on host pc.

 

Of course I don't have ANY intension to contravene EULA or any other legal thingy!

It was my understanding that once you have WIndows 10 installed and activated, you are alowed to clean install/upgrade your Win 8.1 install.

Wow, so my action got me in a bad situation, so I'll revert the installs in the VM's and try to first activate my upgraded Win 8.1 install.

Thanks for your directions and also the warning, I appreciate that!

Cheers

 

Windows 10 free upgrade offer still works.

Windows 10 free upgrade is still available using Windows 7 and 8 keys - Windows 10 Forums

OPTION 1:

Install and activate Windows 7/8.x and then upgrade to Windows 10.

Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation - Windows 10 Forums

Note that Windows 10 upgrade installation does not accept Windows 7/8.x product key, so you need to select the option I'm reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC (see screenshot below). Windows 10 will automatically activate online after the installation is complete.





OPTION 2:

If Windows 7/8.x product key has not been used on another computer, then you can directly clean install Windows 10 using your Windows 7/8.x product key. When you clean install, Windows 10 setup will accept Windows 7/8.x product key (see screenshot below). Windows 10 will automatically activate online after the installation is complete.

Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums





Here is information if you reinstall Windows 10 in future.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-10-activation

 

^^^^ Thank you so very much for your directions. Yes, all installs (Win8.1Pro/Win10Pro) are done on the same computer. It's a Windows 8 Pro OEM license that I bought.

As I understand from your post, I'm out of the dangerzone regarding the EULA.

Cheers

 

Thank your @Feather for your additional info's, directions and links. Much appreciated!

Cheers

 

I managed to update my Windows 8.1 Pro x64 SSD (Winclone copy for testdriving) to Windows 10 AU-1607. It auto activated with the digital license!

I had to UNINSTALL my ESET Smart Security v9 av software first, after the update was installed, I re-installed ESET. Piece of cake!

Thanks to all who tried to help me solve this!

Cheers