Windows 10: Will Windows activate itself if I do a clean install?

If I understood this :

clearly, then does it mean that Windows will activate itself from some Windows activation servers that are somehow written into my hardware even if I do a clean install deleting everything in my Windows partition?

Also, since the built-in "Create a Recovery Drive" will take forever or display an error when ''Backup system files to the recovery drive' is checked", I'm trying to create an Installation media. But I'm stuck with which ISO I should download.
Now, there's Windows 10, Windows 10 Single Language, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Home N. I'm running Windows 10 Home at the moment. Which was upgraded from Windows 8.1(I think there was ''Single Language'' written after "8.1", not sure though). Which Version should I download. And if I install the wrong version by chance, will Windows still activate after I find out and install the right version? Please clarify these.... I'm really looking forward to do a clean-install to get rid of all the errors and bugs with drivers and just start over.

*DETAILS: Windows 10 Home Build 10240 [Upgraded via free upgrade, had an OEM version of Windows 8.1 when first bought]

:)

 

I did a Clean Install, how do I activate now?

Hi Maicon,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

In order to install Windows 10, you must have activated Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Since you have performed the Clean Install, it is prompting for the activation. You have to activate Windows 8.1 and then you can upgrade to Windows 10. It won't
ask for the activation afterwards.

Try the below methods to activate:

Method 1.

• 
  Press “Windows key + R” to get the run window.
  
• 
  Type “slui 4” and press enter.
  

Follow the on screen directions to activate over phone.

Refer to this article to know more.

How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

Method 2.

System File checker (SFC) scan is done to check if there are any corrupted system files that could be causing this issue.

Refer to these steps to perform a SFC scan:

a) Press Windows key + X, select
Command prompt (Admin) to bring up elevated command prompt

b) In the command prompt type the following command:
sfc/scannow and press enter

c) After the scan, restart the computer and try to activate online first. If the issue persists, then try to activate over phone.

If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to contact the Microsoft Customer Support team for further assistance with this issue.

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/customer-service-phone-numbers/en-gb

Refer the below link and check if that helps:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.

 

I did a Clean Install, how do I activate now?

I was using the Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview, it was activated. So Microsoft said, Insiders should get the final release activated when using their MSA. I had some trouble with my HD and had to do a Clean Install. So now, with my MSA logged in, I am
unable to activate it. They said I have to install the previous version like Windows 8.1 then upgrade it. But I don't have the product key for the previous version. So, how do Insiders get their final release activated as Microsoft promised after a Clean Install?

 

When you upgrade to Windows 10, a unique hardware code is sent to the MS activation servers. When you reinstall clean, that same hardware code is sent again (unless you change hardware), and thus it will simply activate.

When promoted during install to input a key, click on skip.

 

Thanks. *Smile

So I guess I should download ''Windows 10 Home"... to create an Installation Media..?

 

It's likely 10 Home or 10 Home Single language. This utility should tell you for sure, https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html Or type winver in the Run box.

Yes, if you upgraded and activated Windows 10, you can now do a clean install. You just have to install the same version currently installed on that PC. During the install, when asked for a key, just click skip. If you installed the correct version, it will activate automatically. The first time you activated after doing the free upgrade a hardware ID was stored on the Microsoft activation servers along with a record of which version of Windows 10 you got with the free upgrade. If you install the wrong version my guess is it will not activate, or make you enter a key. You don't want the N or KN version for sure. And if you upgraded from 8.1 Core ( the non pro version) you don't want 10 Pro, its 10 Home or 10 Home SL. See what winver says and showkey shows.

 

The only way to activate a Windows 10 upgrade is to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. The upgrade activates Windows 10 during the upgrade. You can purchase the retail or OEM (Home or Pro) version of Windows 10 which will come with a key.

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation. It was just Windows 10 Home. Downloading image now. *Biggrin
Thanks again.

 

You can clean install after doing the free upgrade. I've verified it myself.

 

And usually it works *Wink I've done 15 or 20 clean installs after upgrade and 2 of them didn't activate. I've never changed hardware, only ever used x64 Pro and never entered a key during the clean install so the logic of it is beyond me but sometimes you do get the 0xc004c003 key blocked error. Phone activation fixed it for me in these cases.

 

There are scenarios where it won't work. Usually, it's because somebody installs the incorrect version when they do the clean install. If you got 10 Home via the free upgrade, but install 10 Pro. Or vice versa for example. Nothings fool proof so errors will likely happen. I've only done a couple of clean installs since doing the free upgrade on my 4 PC's here at home. I enter the generic key with a PID.txt file anyway just to save having to click skip 2 or 3 times during the install. I add some other custom files too.