Can I use the CD Key in my BIOS after reinstalling windows?

[BigTasty71]

I had a problem with my licensed copy of Windows,I paid someone to try and fix it and installed a pirated copy of windows instead.I'm planning on getting a SSD and I'm wondering if I have to buy a new license for it or if I could use the CD Key from the BIOS.

[iomare]

Hi,

As long as you install Windows 10 Home 64 bit, you do not need a product key as it is in the firmware. So, once installed and connected to internet Windows will automatically activate. Here is a small guide to install Windows:

Download media creation tool from Microsoft on PC (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.

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

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

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-da0000-laptop-pc/20395828/model/23116347/product-info

Hope it helps,

David

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[BigTasty71]

Alright,thanks a lot.I've tried using the media creation tool before,I'm not sure it was a Home version though.It worked fine until it crashed when I had to enter my internet password,after that it booted me up right into Windows but it would also freeze after a minute or two.I'll make sure to give it a try using the Home version