"Unlink" Windows 8.1 key before fresh install of Windows 10?

1

I purchased a Windows 8.1 software key after the release of the OS and have been using it on my installation of 8.1. I'd like to do a fresh install of Windows 10, and am using the Windows Media Creation Tool to do so. During the process, I will of course be formatting the hard drive, so the previous OS (and any other data for that matter) will not be present during the Windows 10 install.

Do I have to "unlink", or do anything of the sort with my Windows 8.1 key before I can use it again with my fresh Windows 10 installation?

michaelwm

Posted 2015-08-03T16:37:05.817

Reputation: 61

1Don't format & install, you'll lose your free upgrade. Upgrade, then do a reset. – Tetsujin – 2015-08-03T16:43:47.140

Can anyone find the existing duplicate question? – Ramhound – 2015-08-03T19:19:15.743

You surrender your W8 key when you agree to the free upgrade, free is not always free. – Moab – 2015-08-03T23:09:07.360

Answers

2

You have to do an upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.

If you want to do a clean Installation you could choose that during the upgrade. You have three different Options:

  1. clean install
  2. Keep your personal settings and files
  3. Keep your personal settings, files and apps

NilsB

Posted 2015-08-03T16:37:05.817

Reputation: 136

Asked: 2015-08-03T16:37:05.817

Viewed: 125 times

Active: 2015-08-03T18:38:23.003