Windows 10 upgrade path and activation issues

techead

techead

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I thought I would share this, as I was under the impression the free upgrade allowed you to just do a fresh Windows 10 install... which is NOT the case

Please be aware that you cannot use the free upgrade offer to perform a clean install on first attempt.

You must first upgrade from the qualifying version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 (whether you do it through Windows Update or using the .ISO file).

Ensure the upgrade is completed successfully and then ensure that it is activated. You can then proceed to do a clean install by using recovery media or using the Reset function in Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC (Get Started).
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Is this from the official Microsoft site? Before I go slate them and adopt a "well now you tell me" attitude, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. If not and they just expected people to know this, well then screw them!
 
This straight from the Windows FAQ.

Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading?

Yes. 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.
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I just assumed that I would be able to do a clean install (and skip the upgrade part altogether)
 
Good to know, thanks - will be my first in place OS upgrade in many a year.
 
i just figured this out yesterday too, i'm okay with it, it is free afterall. what i need to know is if using the iso, can i initiate an upgrade and not just a clean paid for install?

also does the iso have all versions of windows ? i don't want to have to download again for all the users i will be upgrading.
 
Zuner said:
i just figured this out yesterday too, i'm okay with it, it is free afterall. what i need to know is if using the iso, can i initiate an upgrade and not just a clean paid for install?

also does the iso have all versions of windows ? i don't want to have to download again for all the users i will be upgrading.
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yeah you get the upgrade option when you boot from the ISO
 
Zuner said:
site seems to be routing me to the media creation tool instead of the iso download so I can't confirm if I can download one iso with home/pro and 32/64 bit.. anyone know?
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when you open the media creation tool you can select your version and bit. You need to select the right version that you currently have activated (7 or 8.1) otherwise you going to have issues.

In other words, if you got a activated version of Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, dont go download Windows 10 Proff 64-bit

:)
 
Zuner said:
site seems to be routing me to the media creation tool instead of the iso download so I can't confirm if I can download one iso with home/pro and 32/64 bit.. anyone know?
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The media creation took does not allow for one ISO download. I had to download a version for each of my devices. Currently sitting with 2 ISOs. Pro 64 & 34 and Home 64 & 34.
 
techead said:
when you open the media creation tool you can select your version and bit. You need to select the right version that you currently have activated (7 or 8.1) otherwise you going to have issues.

In other words, if you got a activated version of Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, dont go download Windows 10 Proff 64-bit

:)
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signates said:
The media creation took does not allow for one ISO download. I had to download a version for each of my devices. Currently sitting with 2 ISOs. Pro 64 & 34 and Home 64 & 34.
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ok i see, strange though yesterday i was able to get onto this site and download directly from there and not from the tool.

but if the tool works i'll just have to create 2 different iso's, as long as it kicks off the Upgrade as if "upgrade this pc now" was chosen in the media creation tool then i'll be okay upgrade everyone's pcs..

Never tell family you're in I.T
 
Anyone done a dual boot? 10/7?

Think I'll be doing that rather until I'm satisfied everything I use is compatible with 10.

Windows 7 ultimate ----> Windows 10 ultimate?
 
Zuner said:
i'll be making a ghost image before upgrading to win10 i'll just revert back if its rubbish.
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You won't need it. Windows 10 is awesome. I love how modern everything looks, and that you can finally use the Metro apps like normal apps.
 
Bryn said:
You won't need it. Windows 10 is awesome. I love how modern everything looks, and that you can finally use the Metro apps like normal apps.
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i hope so win 8 was such a disappointment i had it installed for 10 minutes before reverting back and blocking it out of my life.
 
Zuner said:
i'll be making a ghost image before upgrading to win10 i'll just revert back if its rubbish.
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What you using? I wanted to use Acronis trial version to clone my c drive but that feature's not supported in the trial version!! :mad:
 
Zuner said:
i hope so win 8 was such a disappointment i had it installed for 10 minutes before reverting back and blocking it out of my life.
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You should have left 8 on. I upgraded to Win 8 the day after it launched, and was also horrified by the Metro UI and lack of a start button. I did a quick search and found Start8, which returned the Win 7 start button and menu and allowed me to boot straight to desktop and never lay eyes on the Metro UI ever again.

In all other respects Windows 8 was an improvement over 7. I had no further issues and enjoyed the upgrade.
 
sand_man said:
What you using? I wanted to use Acronis trial version to clone my c drive but that feature's not supported in the trial version!! :mad:
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At work we use symantec ghost for all our imaging needs, works well so i keep using it.

Bryn said:
You should have left 8 on. I upgraded to Win 8 the day after it launched, and was also horrified by the Metro UI and lack of a start button. I did a quick search and found Start8, which returned the Win 7 start button and menu and allowed me to boot straight to desktop and never lay eyes on the Metro UI ever again.

In all other respects Windows 8 was an improvement over 7. I had no further issues and enjoyed the upgrade.
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maybe i judged it too soon, but win7 fulfilled my needs and still does, i'm not all that excited about win10 but i'll give it a shot, since friends and family will be bringing me their problems to fix.
 
Running the Medai creation tool, and its downoading WIN 10, but FAHRK, it's slow
 
So once Windows shows as activated in the 'This PC' page, is it safe to do a clean install?
 
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