How to find the key after the upgrade for a clean installation later?

Microsoft said a clean install of Windows 10 can happen. How do you find the key? Do you have to use a key finder after the upgrade or will Microsoft make it easily available?

How to activate the latest Windows 10 build - Microsoft Community

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).

I copy this from Microsoft forum



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 a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. 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

Hello Looey,

When you upgrade with the free reserved copy from the GWX app on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, Windows 10 has a generic key included that will activate it.

If you clean install Windows 10 without doing the above first, Windows 10 will not be activated.


Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

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 a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. 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.

Does that mean, that everyone who upgraded to Win 10 has a generic key right now? Im asking because I didnt get a "personal Win 10" key after upgrade, my windows 10 is still running with a generic key.... is that normal?

Hello Greyfox,

You don't get a key with the free Windows 10 upgrade offer. It's just that when you upgrade to the free Windows 10 on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1, Windows 10 will be activated.

You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware.

Thank you Brink, that helped alot. So the free upgrade is actually just on "one system" and I dont receive an own key that I could use on different systems right?

Does that mean, that everyone who upgraded to Win 10 has a generic key right now? Im asking because I didnt get a "personal Win 10" key after upgrade, my windows 10 is still running with a generic key.... is that normal?

If I understand the process: in effect, you have no key. The activation servers recognize your PC from the original upgrade install, and will activate a new clean install on the same hardware without a key. That's different from any previous version of Windows that I have used that required activation (XP Vista, 7, and 8).

I presume that if there's a problem, a phone call to the MS Activation support people will fix it.

Correct. What Bob posted above.

So if I understand it right, If I do clean install from USB (I downloaded win10 from website since I didnt want to wait for upgrade notification), my key will not work? I have legal windows 7 HP edition, thats from what I have clean installed windows 10 from.

Or do I need to contact support for windows activation?