Solved Windows 11 Clean Install Question

thunderclap82 · Oct 4, 2021

Hopefully this question makes sense.

I know Microsoft is offering free upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10. I'm actually running Windows 11 now from the dev support channel. When Windows 11 is released on ISO (via Media Creation Tool) I want to do a clean install. Here's where I hope my question is clear: since I'm currently running Windows 11 has Microsoft's system been updated to include my CPU serial number and whatever else they record to ensure I'm running a legit copy? I don't want to do a fresh install only to be told I need to purchase a $100+ license. And I'd prefer not to do a fresh install of Windows 10, first, and then upgrade to 11. I want brand spanking new fresh install and have Microsoft see I'm running a legit copy.

NavyLCDR · Oct 4, 2021

The short answer is Yes, your Windows 11 will activate after a clean install, assuming you install the same edition, IE: Home or Pro. You do not need to do Windows 10 first.

BunnyJ · Oct 4, 2021

NavyLCDR said:
The short answer is Yes, your Windows 11 will activate after a clean install, assuming you install the same edition, IE: Home or Pro. You do not need to do Windows 10 first.

Correct.. I've used my Win10 key to activate a clean instillation of Win11.

8bitbubsy · Oct 4, 2021

thunderclap82 said:
Hopefully this question makes sense.

I know Microsoft is offering free upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10. I'm actually running Windows 11 now from the dev support channel. When Windows 11 is released on ISO (via Media Creation Tool) I want to do a clean install. Here's where I hope my question is clear: since I'm currently running Windows 11 has Microsoft's system been updated to include my CPU serial number and whatever else they record to ensure I'm running a legit copy? I don't want to do a fresh install only to be told I need to purchase a $100+ license. And I'd prefer not to do a fresh install of Windows 10, first, and then upgrade to 11. I want brand spanking new fresh install and have Microsoft see I'm running a legit copy.

Just to be sure, you could update your current installation to Windows 11 through Windows Update (insider), then when it gets released tomorrow you can do a fresh install. This will for sure not cause any activation issues.

Bree · Oct 4, 2021

thunderclap82 said:
since I'm currently running Windows 11 has Microsoft's system been updated to include my CPU serial number and whatever else they record to ensure I'm running a legit copy?

If your PC is activated with a Digital Licence for 10 Home or 10 Pro, then a clean install of the same edition of 11 will activate from that same Digital Licence.

Superfly · Oct 4, 2021

I still can't believe we don't have Win 11 keys...

Just seems so contrived - perhaps they should just have called it Win 10.X (kind of like Win10X but a lot cooler

)

stormy13 · Oct 4, 2021

Bree said:
If your PC is activated with a Digital Licence for 10 Home or 10 Pro, then a clean install of the same edition of 11 will activate from that same Digital Licence.

This. I haven't entered a license in I don't know how long when doing a clean install.

Superfly · Oct 4, 2021

stormy13 said:
This. I haven't entered a license in I don't know how long when doing a clean install.

The PC has the licence with the default key (the "I don't have a key" thingy bob) for the edition. The only proviso is same hardware , same edition.

Bree · Oct 4, 2021

stormy13 said:
I haven't entered a license in I don't know how long when doing a clean install.

If you don't enter a key, then it installs with the default key. This then activates from the PC's existing Digital License that's stored on Microsoft's activation servers and is linked to the hardware ID of your PC.

Windows 11 will activate from that digital license, just as Windows 10 does.

Superfly · Oct 4, 2021

I just want to impress on you guys to make a back-up before upgrading tomorrow... probably superfluous reminder for most but just saying.. failing to prepare is preparing to fail... and all that

kevvyb · Oct 4, 2021

NavyLCDR said:
The short answer is Yes, your Windows 11 will activate after a clean install, assuming you install the same edition, IE: Home or Pro. You do not need to do Windows 10 first.

I have a valid digital licences derived from standalone versions of Window 7 on two machines.
So, you have confirmed that I should be able to upgrade my existing hardware but unfortunatley at least one of them will not easily run Win 11 and propbably about time for a new PC in any case. Given my digital licence is 'standalone' (rather then pre-installed) will I be able to use that licence on a new PC?

Superfly · Oct 4, 2021

kevvyb said:
I have a valid digital licences derived from standalone versions of Window 7 on two machines.
So, you have confirmed that I should be able to upgrade my existing hardware but unfortunatley at least one of them will not easily run Win 11 and propbably about time for a new PC in any case. Given my digital licence is 'standalone' (rather then pre-installed) will I be able to use that licence on a new PC?

No. Only a retail key can be used to attain a new licence

barman58 · Oct 4, 2021

Just a reminder for anyone who wants to run the RTM when it's available to you - if you are currently running the Dev version you cannot upgrade directly to the RTM - you will need to perform a clean install

Simple reason for this the Dev builds are now a later build than the RTM will be so would be classed as a downgrade

kevvyb · Oct 4, 2021

Superfly said:
No. Only a retail key can be used to attain a new licence

Are you sure about that because a previous answer to similar question re Windows 10 seems to give a different interpretation:

i.e. retail = standalone
OEM = pre-installed

Ten Forums reply

kevvyb · Oct 4, 2021

barman58 said:
Just a reminder for anyone who wants to run the RTM when it's available to you - if you are currently running the Dev version you cannot upgrade directly to the RTM - you will need to perform a clean install

Simple reason for this the Dev builds are now a later build than the RTM will be so would be classed as a downgrade

I have always gone for clean install using an iso file

kevvyb · Oct 4, 2021

Superfly said:
No. Only a retail key can be used to attain a new licence

Wrong question: I think what you are calling 'retail', I am calling 'standalone' as per the more up to date licencing descriptions
i.e.
retail = standalone
OEM = pre-installed

NavyLCDR · Oct 5, 2021

kevvyb said:
Wrong question: I think what you are calling 'retail', I am calling 'standalone' as per the more up to date licencing descriptions
i.e.
retail = standalone
OEM = pre-installed

Your digital license needs to be linked to your MS account. Once it is linked, if you sign into the same Microsoft account on your new computer, there is a good chance you will be able to use your license from the old computer using the activation troubleshooter. This appears to work even with OEM licenses.

Not only that, but if you change the product key of an OEM activated install to the generic product key for that same edition of Windows 10 or 11, it will move to the retail activation channel.

Run slmgr /dlv to see what activation channel you are on.

kevvyb · Oct 5, 2021

NavyLCDR said:
Your digital license needs to be linked to your MS account. Once it is linked, if you sign into the same Microsoft account on your new computer, there is a good chance you will be able to use your license from the old computer using the activation troubleshooter. This appears to work even with OEM licenses.

Not only that, but if you change the product key of an OEM activated install to the generic product key for that same edition of Windows 10 or 11, it will move to the retail activation channel.

Run slmgr /dlv to see what activation channel you are on.

Thanks for that - very helpful. This machine is indeed, as I expected, showing activation channel as retail.

As and when it comes to installing Windows 11 do I take a 'digital' key from my windows 10 installation as revealed by ShowKeyPlus as the 'installed key' or maybe the 'product ID'?

Or neither becuase the link t the my microsoft account will prompt activation? How do I amke sure that my current activation is linked to my Microsoft Account....I think it is.

NavyLCDR · Oct 5, 2021

Check the product keys shown by showkey plus against the list of generic product keys here:

Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

List of Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

www.tenforums.com

Chances are very high you are currently activated with a generic product key.

You and check your activation status:

Check Activation of Windows 10

How to Check if Windows 10 is Activated

www.tenforums.com

Option 2^

kevvyb · Oct 5, 2021

NavyLCDR said:
Check the product keys shown by showkey plus against the list of generic product keys here:

Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

List of Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

www.tenforums.com

Chances are very high you are currently activated with a generic product key.

Indeed it it the Windows 10 Pro RTM Generic Key (retail)

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