Installing Windows 10 via Media Creation Tool

I have a copy of 10 reserved, but what if I lose my patience and download an ISO from here:



I don't have a 10 product key yet, so how would that work?

Hello Chrono,

If you like, you could upgrade to Windows 10 from within the Media Creation Tool on your activated Windows 8.1 PC, and have 10 activated afterwards.

(step 3)
Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation

Hey Brink,

Sorry I posted this in the wrong section. Wasn't sure exactly where to put it. So I can do the upgrade install, get the 10 key, and then do a clean install afterward?

You won't get a key, but yes.


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 or Media Creation Toolon an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, 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.

I see. Sort of like OEM installs? Tied to the mobo? Interesting. So they're doing away with product keys? Thanks for the help.

Nope. There will still be product keys for retail. Just not for the free upgrade offer installations.

I see. Sort of like OEM installs? Tied to the mobo? Interesting. So they're doing away with product keys? Thanks for the help.

No, not like OEM installs. You are legally allowed to transfer a retail copy to another computer, however, doing so requires that you reinstall your old OS and upgrade on the new computer, even if you have done an upgrade on the old computer. The only way to transfer the upgrade is via upgrading an old OS.

So while automatic re-activation of a clean install is tied to the computer you upgraded on, you are free to transfer to another computer if you first upgrade the previous OS on that computer.

Okay, I gotcha. So if I decided to switch mobos or whatever, I would first have to install 8.1, pop in the 10 disc and do an upgrade install? Think I prefer the product key at this point. lol

Thanks for the help, guys.

Okay, I gotcha. So if I decided to switch mobos or whatever, I would first have to install 8.1, pop in the 10 disc and do an upgrade install? Think I prefer the product key at this point. lol

Thanks for the help, guys.

Yes, that's correct. It's just the price you pay for a free upgrade. If it bothers you that much, you can always buy a full copy.