Hard drive failed on my HP laptop . Ordered recovery media from HP but just realized there is no Key

[doberjoe]

My laptop hard drive crashed (dead buried ) I ordered recovery media from HP that I will use to install everything on a new hard drive  but I just realized there is no Windows operating key sticker on the laptop. Do they still use the sticker or is it based on the serial number I provieded HP ? or did I throw it away with the box when I bought it ?

[iomare]

Hi,

You do not need productkey as it is in the firmware. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to internet.

You could have performed a clean install by downloading the media creation tool from Microsoft on different PC and creating a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 on it to install on PC:

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

Hope it helps,

David

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[IT_WinSec]

Hey @doberjoe 

Just to add to what David [ @iomare  ] wrote - the keys for Windows 8 and Windows 10 are built-into the BIOS/UEFI system and are no longer distributed with COA stickers. These stickers were applicable for Windows 9x, XP, Vista, 7, but not distributed anymore. This is Microsoft decision, no HP's decision. Here is more information >> http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/

You don't need to throw anything away.

You are not talking about it but I hope you also replaced your hard disk drive because the USB recovery media will be useless with a broken/corrupted hard disk drive.

Cheers !