If you already have Windows 10 installed on the PC and just want to reinstall it, it’ll be easiest to reinstall it from within Windows 10 instead of creating installation media. If you want to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8. 1, you won’t need to create an installation disc or drive. However, you will need to follow most of this method to start the upgrade.
If you don’t have a product key or you’re installing Windows 10 on a new hard drive, make sure you’ve linked your Windows 10 digital license to your Microsoft account before you start the installation. [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source Head to Settings > Update & Security > Activation from the current installation—if the activation status says Windows is activated with a digital license, click Add an account and follow the on-screen instructions to link your Microsoft account. If you’re upgrading from an earlier version and your PC qualifies for a free upgrade, you won’t need a product key.
Click Yes when prompted to allow the installer to run.
If you’re updating your PC from an earlier version of Windows, select Upgrade this PC now instead, and then follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. You’re done!
If you’re not sure about the architecture, you can choose Both from the menu.
Flash drive: Select your flash drive from the list, click Next, and wait for the installation files to install. When the process is complete, click Finish. DVD/ISO: Click Save to save the ISO file to your computer—it may take a while because the file is large and has to be downloaded. Once downloaded, you’ll see a progress screen that monitors the download. When the download is complete, click Open DVD burner on the “Burn the ISO file to a DVD” screen, select your DVD burner, and then click Burn to create your DVD.
Windows 8. 1 or 10: From Windows, open Settings, select Update & Recovery or Update & Security, and go to Recovery > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Any PC: Reboot the PC and immediately start pressing (over and over again) the keyboard key required by your PC to enter “Setup,” or the BIOS. The key varies by computer, but here are some of the most common keys: Acer and Asus: F2 or Del Dell: F2 or F12 HP: ESC or F10 Lenovo: F1, F2, or Fn + F2 Lenovo ThinkPads: Enter + F1. MSI: DEL Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold the volume-up button. Samsung and Toshiba: F2 Sony: F1, F2, or F3
Acer and Asus: F2 or Del Dell: F2 or F12 HP: ESC or F10 Lenovo: F1, F2, or Fn + F2 Lenovo ThinkPads: Enter + F1. MSI: DEL Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold the volume-up button. Samsung and Toshiba: F2 Sony: F1, F2, or F3
The Boot tab may instead say Boot Options or Boot Order, depending on your computer’s manufacturer.
For a USB flash drive, select the Removable Devices option. For a disc installation, select the CD-ROM Drive or Optical Drive option.
On some computers, you’ll instead press one of the function keys (e. g. , F5 or the arrow keys to navigate an option up to the top of the menu. The key will be listed on the right side of the screen.
On some computers, you’ll instead press one of the function keys (e. g. , F5 or the arrow keys to navigate an option up to the top of the menu. The key will be listed on the right side of the screen.
On some computers, you’ll instead press one of the function keys (e. g. , F5 or the arrow keys to navigate an option up to the top of the menu. The key will be listed on the right side of the screen.
If you’ve already installed Windows 10 on this PC and were signed in with your Microsoft account, your key should be linked to your account. When prompted, just sign in with your Microsoft account and Windows will locate your key. [4] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source If you’ve changed hardware in the PC, such as replacing the motherboard, you can activate Windows after installing by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot > I changed hardware on this device recently. Sign in with your Microsoft account when prompted, choose This is the device I’m using right now, and then click Activate.
If you’ve already installed Windows 10 on this PC and were signed in with your Microsoft account, your key should be linked to your account. When prompted, just sign in with your Microsoft account and Windows will locate your key. [4] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source If you’ve changed hardware in the PC, such as replacing the motherboard, you can activate Windows after installing by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot > I changed hardware on this device recently. Sign in with your Microsoft account when prompted, choose This is the device I’m using right now, and then click Activate.
If you’re upgrading from an earlier version of Windows, you’ll be asked if you want to upgrade the current operating system or do a custom install. If you choose Upgrade, you’ll preserve existing apps and files.
