Windows 10 free upgrade from Windows 8.1

[KIRAP]

Hi ,

I am having HP 15-a002AU laptop with preload windows 8.1 when i purchase 3 yrs back.

While Windows 10 free upgrade I upgraded to windows 10.

Due to Software crash I had done factory reset. 

Now OS is Windows 8.1 . I want to know how to upgrade windows 10 free on this laptop.

as I have lic windows version I am asking it.

Thanks

Regards

Kiran P

[CherylG]

@KIRAP

Your Windows 10 license key is stored on microsoft servers and you can reinstall Windows 10 without restoring back to Win 8.1.  Microsoft provides the free Media Creation Tool to download files and create a Windows 10 usb flash drive.Big advantage is you will have latest updated version of Windows 10. At least 8gb flash drive required:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Select Download tool now, and select Run.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10.
The Guide here shows the steps:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html
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When the flash drive is prepared insert it in a usb port. Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping Esc key. From the menu tap F9 key and use the arrow keys to move to and select usb. Tap Enter key.
When installing and you go through first few screens- choose Custom and select each partition and delete each (if you have more than one).Install on the unallocated space left from that process.Continue with installation.If it asks at any point for a license key just choose "I don't have a key". It will continue and should activate once you are online.

This will not include the original software from HP but most of it can be installed from your Support page.

[KIRAP]

Hi 

I had done already done fatory reset and now its working with windows 8.1 

then also is it possible to do this?

Regards

Kiran p

[CherylG]

@KIRAP

Yes, of course you can still go through the process of a clean Windows 10 install. You can also Upgrade with the Media Creation Tool. After you choose to Run- it will ask what you want to do. You can select "Upgrade this PC now" instead of creating installation media.

Windows Update may eventually offer the upgrade again. I actually had that happen about a year ago when I restored to factory settings of original Windows 8.1. From what I remember that happened within  24 hours of the factory reset.