-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Operating System and Recovery
- Re-installing Windows 10

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
05-29-2018 05:43 AM
My notebook is so much lagging as it is running the same OS for 2 years. So now i have decided to re-install the Windows 10. I currently have Windows 10 Home (Pre-installed). When i bought that machine, i was runnning Windows 10 Home.
My real question is that as my ruuning OS is activated my the manufacturer but will re-installing windows effect the the activation. Because i don't want to lose my activation.
Now, you may suggest me to Reset my PC. But i want to re-install windows for two reasons:
1. Currently Windows 10 Home is installed and i want to install Windows 10 Pro.(as Bitlocker is unavailable in Home version and i want to protect my Drives with only genuine software, not a third-party software)
2. Currently i have only one Drive (Local Disk C) on my PC but i want to formate all my data and make new partions according to my need. So if i try to Reset my PC, will i get a option to formate all Drives and partion them manually.
Answer both of my points briefly so i can take a good decision. Hope you will respond soon.
Regards, Uzair Ahamd
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
05-30-2018 12:51 PM - edited 05-30-2018 12:57 PM
Hi,
You're welcome!
The activation license key that is in the BIOS is only valid for the version that it was delivered with.
You will need to purchase a license activation key if you want to install and activate Windows 10 Pro.
Thanks for the product number.
The serial number should never be posted. It is private information that only you should have
.
I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"
05-29-2018 05:52 AM - edited 05-29-2018 05:54 AM
What is the product number of your notebook?
If you open the HP Support Assistant, you will see the product number in the bottom of the Window.
As long as you install the same version of Windows 10 it will activate itself when you go online.
The license activation code is in the BIOS.
Before you do anything, let me ask you this question. Have you created recovery media?
I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"
05-29-2018 06:07 AM
@erico when i bought that Laptop it had a Recovery Drive but i thought its useless so i formated is start using it fro my personal use. Now help help me man. What should i do now? But if it is only necessory to keep files safe/back-up. Then i don't need it because i am willing the clear every single file from my PC and start using it like it just came out of the factory.
Kindly give me some guidence!
What i am willing to do is to download Windows 10 image file from then official website and burn it on a USB Drive. Then i will install Windows 10 Pro and also formate C Drive and unallocate it. So that i can make partions as i need and everything will be all set. All i am worried about is that will i lose my activation because i don't have a Activation key.
I read on one of HP's forum that the key is registered in the motherboard. Will the new OS will automatically recognize it?
Hope you will reply soon @erico
05-29-2018 06:25 AM
You did not take advantage of the Recovery Media creator. That was HP's gift to you. It was supposed to be your plan B for emergencies, complete with all required drivers.
But, that was your own choice and I respect it.
You can use Microsoft's Windows 10 media creation utility to create a USB installer of the Windows 10 version 1803. Click on the following link. You will need a USB flash drive of at least 8 GB and not greater than 64GB
As long as you did not delec the HP factory keys in the BIOS the OS will activate when you go online.
I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"
05-30-2018 09:37 AM
@erico thanks alot man. Now i am downloading Windows 10 image file via Media Creation Tool.
Now i have just one more question, as i already told you that i am currently running Windows 10 Home but i want to install Pro version this time (I need Bitlocker). Will the window detect the Activation Key for that version too? And if not then i will install Home version .
Thanks once again brother you replied me.
Regards, Uzair Ahmad
05-30-2018 12:51 PM - edited 05-30-2018 12:57 PM
Hi,
You're welcome!
The activation license key that is in the BIOS is only valid for the version that it was delivered with.
You will need to purchase a license activation key if you want to install and activate Windows 10 Pro.
Thanks for the product number.
The serial number should never be posted. It is private information that only you should have
.
I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"