Windows 10: Win10 updated from Win8 - does clean install loose product key?

I have Pavilion laptop with Win8 recovery option. I've upgraded my Win8 to Win10 via the free option. Now I need a clean install (format c: equal).

Should I:
1. Install Win10 directly from the usb flash I used to install my desktop? If so what happens with product key, can it be found and saved before I run down my laptop? Does it matter that I'm sharing an IP adress with the desktop = another (actually purchased) Win10?

2. Run full recovery on laptop and when win8 pops up do another upgrade? Is it still free?

3. other?

Thanks for help.

:)

 

Hi! Can i activate windows 10 pro with windows 8.1 pro key?

I've activate my Win10. But not sure if it is by my Win8 key.

My step is:

1. Clean install Win8 on my C drive, and activate with Win8 key;

2. Use ISO burnt Win10 CD boot my VAIO, and upgrade install Win10, this is surely Win10 activated;

3. Use ISO burnt Win10 CD again to boot, and make a clean install, here is the key point, find a GENERIC key for your clean installation, my Win8 key doesn't work!! After installed, Win10 properties shows activated, I've tried to change key to my Win8 key,
but always get error message.

Anyway, it's already activated, why need to change any more...

Before this step, I've tried with the same generic key to install Win10, but need activation again. The difference of no need change key only happened after my upgrade install Win10 from clean install of Win8.

Hope this helpful.

Cheers,

 

windows 8 to Windows 10

The free upgrade offer expired more than a year ago.

No, you cannot use the Win8 OEM product key to validate a clean install of Win10.

 

Use this option. With Internet connection, if asked for product key, click on "Skip This Step" or "I don't have a product Key". Windows will be activated automatically.

 

If that laptop has a Windows 8 OEM embedded key, it will be detected and used automatically. You won't be asked for a key of asked to select Home or Pro. The matching version is installed automatically. If you did the free upgrade your PC is currently activated with a Digital License. That same License will be used this time around. The key that goes with it is a generic key that everybody that did the free upgrade has. This utility will show you what's what.
ShowKeyPlus
If you did the free upgrade from the factory installed OS you should be fine to clean install of Windows 10 and not worry about a key. Windows 10 install media will read and use Windows 8/8.1 and 10 OEM embedded keys. If at some point you upgraded from Home to Pro, and then did the free upgrade, that throws a little wrinkle into things. If that's the case post back and I'll elaborate more on what to do in that situation.

 

If that laptop has a Windows 8 OEM Windows will be activated automatically, but if it has an hacked copy it wont activated.