Installing Win 10 on a new SSD

[PSP21]

A sudden " Boot Device Not Found" message has led me to purchasing a new SSD. I would love to be able to perform a data transfer, but that is secondary. I just wan't my computer running again. How do I get Win 10 ( I believe my product license is on the laptop that won't boot) on my new SSD. I think I can do a free download but isn't that product inferior? I never wrote my product license anywhere. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The product key/license is actually in the BIOS, not on the hard drive.

You can clean install W10 by using the Media Creation tool at the link below.

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

Since your PC came from HP with a W10 license, the installation will pick up the W10 key in your notebook's BIOS and activate after you are connected to the internet.

Then go to your notebook's support page to install the drivers and available software you need.

Personally, I think installing Windows this way is better, because you get no additional bloatware to slow down your PC.

You install just the programs and drivers you need.

[Huffer]

No that product is not inferior. Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool site. Activation now does not depend on a Code or anything like that. The Microsoft Activation Server has a record of your computer and it will just "know" it and activate despite a hard drive change. 

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

When you get Windows 10 installed any drivers missing can be downloaded from here, HP.com.

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[PSP21]

Thank you both so much . I will need to purchase a blank USB drive now. Just so I understand, With the new blank SSD installed, and a USB  drive containing the clean version of Win 10 plugged in the port, the laptop will boot from the USB drive? How do I then get Win 10 on the SSD. I apologize for my ignorance. Will it just be saved automatically on the SSD? Give me some time to get back to you and let you know how it worked. I feel confident.

[Huffer]

Put the blank SSD in the laptop. Put the Windows 10 usb disk in the usb slot. Turn on the computer, and tap esc...you will have the option to choose the boot device by then tapping F9....choose the usb disk obviously. Windows 10 will then start it s install routine and will get to a point where it asks where you want to install Windows 10. You will say the SSD which should show up as a new or blank disk. Windows 10 will then make the partitons and format them and roll on with installation. There are only a few choices it will ask you to make. The process takes 30-60 minutes to complete and when done the laptop will boot into clean new Windows 10. 

[PSP21]

Ha Ha Ha sweet success !!!!!! Thank You ! Thank You ! Thank You !

[PSP21]

It looks like I have a new laptop:smileylol:

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Enjoy!