Can I Clean Install HP Pavilion x360

[AguaFria]

Hello HP!

I just bought an HP Pavilion x360 13-u001la with Windows 10 x64 bit pre-installed. I would like to do a clean install. Here is what I was planning on doing:

1) Update BIOS to F.31 Rev.A (current version is F.29)

2) Download latest drivers from HP software and driver downloads, save to external HD

3) Copy driver folders on computer to external HD (I'll follow HPs advice in a previous forum to do this: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/68426-backup-restore-device-drivers-windows-10-a.html) 

4) Delete all partitions, reformat hard drive

5) Install Windows 10 x64 from .ISO files downloaded from microsoft using a bootable USB

6) Install necessary drivers from HP downloads first, then driver folders second if there are any missing drivers.

I was wondering if the new Windows 10 will be automatically activated? (I don't have a product key) What is the process of activating Windows 10 nowadays? Will flashing the BIOS before reinstalling cause any problems with that?

Also, I was planning on deleting all partitions on the hard drive. Will this be a problem? There are four partitions in my hard drive, they are (from beginning of disk to end): 260 MB (Partition of EFI system), Windows C format NTFS, 980 MB (recovery partition), recovery D (partition of OEM). First of all, is this normal? (the RECOVERY partition is listed twice in disk manager, one says NTFS and the other nothing but besides that look identical). I was planning on having one partition formatted NTFS and letting Windows 10 carve out whatever partitions it likes. 

Do you think this will cause problems with the tablet functionality of the computer? Or do you see any problems with this appraoch? 

The reason I am doing this is because I bought the computer from a semi-trustworthy source and I would like to be 100% sure that there is no Malware hiding in the computer (i.e. Boot sectore, hidden partition, corrupted driver... something like that). While I haven't detected anything, this is more for peace of mind and good security practice. 

Thank you!

[Dudefoxlive · Accepted solution]

The product key of the device is programmed into the UEFI/BIOS and when you install Windows 10 it will automatically select Windows 10 Home and install that and activate once it gains an internet connection.  As for the partitions one is for the HP Hardware Diagnostics GUI which gives it more options to diangnose hardware but the others are either main Windows partitions or HP Recovery partitions that contain the Factory OS and software.  So no deleteing all the partitions should not be a problem. 

[AguaFria]

Awesome! Thank you.

And will updating the BIOS before reinstall cause any problems with the activation?

[Dudefoxlive]

No unless the update fails for what ever reason there should be no problem but i would not recommend updating the BIOS unless you need to.