How do I get MS Windows 10 OS & MS Apps (Word, Excel, etc.) Passkey codes when HD has died?

[Jackeen1]

Need Windows 10 OS and Application Passcodes so I can re-insall on new Hard Drive. Current HD has died.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I can't help you with reinstalling MS Office.  If it came preinstalled on your PC, I don't believe you can do anything but buy a new edition.

Here is how you can install W10 for free...

You can make a W10 USB flash drive installer with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, using an 8 GB flash drive using another Windows PC, if your PC is not working.

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

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.

Here are the steps to create the W10 USB flash drive installer...

Select Download tool now, and select Run.

If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.

On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. You want W10 64 bit.

Select which media you want to use:

USB flash drive. Plug in a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.

Then you can install the drivers and available software from your notebook's support page...

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-pavilion-500-200-desktop-pc-series/5399647/model...

[Jackeen1]

What is the difference in the "W 10" OS, where I stipulate that I do not have the key code, as opposed to one where I do have the key code? Do I lose functionality because I did not provide a key code?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The product key is in the BIOS.

You don't need to know or to have the key code to install W10.

You just need to know what version of Windows to install (Home or Pro), that your PC originally came with.

That also pertains if you upgraded to W10 from an older version of Windows.

For example, if you upgraded from W7 Home, then you would install W10 Home.