Hard drive replacement

[DaveL5]

My disk drive crashed. I want to install a new hard drive but I'm not sure how I can get a copy of Windows 10. I read the windows product key is part of the computers digital footprint. However I'm still not sure how I would get the key after I install a new hard drive. I've never installed an operating system before.

[REO51ST]

Welcome to the HP Support Community  @DaveL5 

After you install a fresh copy of W10 the first time you go online it will automatically activate.

But it must be the same version.

REO

[DaveL5]

Thank you.  By same version do you mean to thetr are multiple versiond of Windows 10?

[REO51ST]

@DaveL5 

Windows 10 Pro,  Windows 10 Home  and now  Windows 10s.

REO

[DaveL5]

Given that my hard drive cradhed how would I know which version? Does how keep track of what versions erre installed on s laptop maybe by laptop model and date purchased?

Thanks

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Here is how to install Windows 10. It will not ask for the product key and will automatically install the correct version as the key is in firmware.

Download media creation tool from Microsoft on different PC, run and create a bootable pendrive with the OS on it. (there is an explanation on the Microsoft web page on how to create the pendrive). Create the drive with Windows 10 Home 64-bit edition. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the Internet.

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

If you choose this option you will need to use the pendrive to perform a clean install of Windows 10. You might need to disable fastboot and secure boot in BIOS (probably not). So, insert the pendrive in the PC and it should boot directly from the drive. If not, turn off the PC by holding the power button. Press the power button and immediately keep pressing ESC until the startup menu appears and then press F9 and choose the pendrive in the boot menu. Once it boots from pendrive follow the procedure to install Windows.

When finished installing allow Windows to completely update and find all or most drivers. You can follow this process by going into settings > Security and update > click on Verify for updates. You might need to reboot a couple of times. Once completely updated you can go into device manager and see if there are any missing drivers (there will be yellow exclamation mark next to the device). You can find these drivers and software on HP support page for your product.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-15-ac100-notebook-pc-series/8499326/model/9111891

 I recommend installing HP support assistant which will help keep your drivers up to date and much more. You can download latest version from here.

https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html

Hope it helps,

David