Download first version of Windows

[medard0]

Hi, because of work I had to install Linux on my laptop. Now I want to recover my original Windows version but I don't have the recovery stored anymore. Is there a place where I can download it? Where I can find my original Windows key?

Thanks in advance.

Regards

EDIT: I have stored the Recovery that was under my Windows. Is it sufficient to put this in a bootable USB?

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You can download the media creation tool from Microsoft and run to create a bootable pendrive with Windows 10 on it. You do not need a product key as it is in the firmware of the notebook. So once installed Windows will automatically activate.

Here is  a small guide:

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. Choose custom install and delete all partitions and install in unallocated space.

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.

Hope it helps,

David

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