August 7, 2011
Just to be safe I removed the key image from the post, Daniel. At least until we know more about the activation process that MS is using with Win10.
That said, running the vbs script mentioned (available @ http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/easily_retrieve_your_windows_product_key.html) returns the exact same key for me, which leads me to believe MS is creating a unique UID for each machine and storing that information on their servers.
Info the key found on both my local machine and Daniels is: TY4CG-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-HCFC6
Moderators
April 29, 2013
So, the clean install will only work if the UID is already on file with MS server.
August 7, 2011
I believe that is correct - meaning you would do the following for a computer running Win7, Win8, or Win8.1:
1. Upgrade to Windows 10
2. Activate Windows 10, which should happen automatically
3. Verify activation from the System control panel applet - control panel > system
4. Create installation media, either DVD or USB, using the Media Creation Tool
5. Clean install Windows 10
Of course once activated you're good to go if you ever have to reinstall on that machine.
August 9, 2011
Agreed. That's exactly the way I see it too.
November 6, 2013
When we create the installation media (USB flash drive) on a PC, is that media created by that PC specifically for installing on THAT PC?
In other words, did the process write an identifier into the media OR could you use that pen drive to install on any PC?
I'll soon get the answer as I'm installing it on the SSD using the pen drive created in my shop PC.
Moderators
April 29, 2013
Your UID is stored with the MS server and I do not believe it is unique to the pen drive other than it is a W10 ISO install. Your UID will have to trigger the MS server for the activation of W10 on the SSD. In other words you can take that pen drive and install W10 on any PC, but that doesn't mean W10 will be activated. That is the way I see it?
I have W8.1 on a pen drive that I have used to install on several PC just with different product keys.
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