Reuse USB for Windows 10 boot

[kev9]

I had my hard drive replaced on my HP laptop, and it came with a Usb (32gb) to boot (Windows 10, 64bit).  I have already used it twice, once with the replacement hard drive, and second with a ssd I ended up buying instead. My question is if I can reuse this USB to boots windows 10 on my new desktop computer (which is not HP), rather than buying a new copy of windows 10?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The W10 HP installation flash drive will only work for the PC you bought it for.

If your other PC came with W10, you can always clean install W10 for free at any time by using the media creation tool at the link below.

The utility will allow you to make a bootable W10 installation flash drive.  You will need a 4 GB flash drive for that.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

The software will work with the W10 product key in your notebook's BIOS and will automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

Then after W10 installs, you can install the drivers and available software from your specific model's support page.

[mdklassen]

> ... can I reuse this USB to boots windows 10 on my new desktop computer (which is not HP) ?

Why would you want to attempt that?

Your new non-HP computer either comes with media to reinstall Windows 10, or it comes with a pre-installed program to create your own "System Recovery Set" of media that is customized for your new computer.

I see your point for creating a "System Recovery Set", to be prepared for a future problem with your new non-HP computer. But, do you have another reason for "reuse" ?

[kev9]

Thank you for the responses. Just to clarify, this USB was not made by me. It was brought by the HP technician when I replaced my hard drive. I am building a desktop PC with individual pieces, so I would be required to buy windows 10 again. If it only works for this computer, then you have answered my question. Much appreciated!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.