Creating a recovery media USB

[Who_Just]

If and when I make a recovery media device, will the OS be Windows 8 or Windows 10? The computer came with Windows 8 when purchased. I plan on adding an SSD soon and was thinking of going that route so I don’t have to buy Windows again. I don’t want the watermark. Thanks. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

if you use the HP recovery manager to create recovery media you will get W8.1.

You can clean install W10 on your new SSD for free.

Make bootable installation media using the media creation tool from the link below.

Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com)

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, select the 'I don't have a product key' option, and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

Or you can use the W8.1 media you create, install W8.1, and after W8.1 has installed, click on the blue Update Now button at the above link and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

[Who_Just]

Once I download W10 and connect to the internet, it will recognize my original Windows license?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

It will recognize the W10 digital license you now have.

If you are asked to enter a product key you need to select the 'I don't have a product key' option.

You do not enter the currently installed W10 digital license key.

[Who_Just]

Thank you so much! Happy Holidays. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Happy Holidays to you too!