reinstall win7 on previously upgraded to win10

gerry410 · Jun 17, 2017

Hello all, I want to install a larger SSD.
I have an upgraded version of Win 10 installed from an originally purchased Win 7 installation disk then upgraded to 10.
I am not changing the motherboard.
Do I have to install Win 7 again from the installation disk or is there another way. I don't think I should have to purchase another installation disk since I'm NOT changing the motherboard, same computer.
As always, Thanks all

kyzarvs · Jun 17, 2017

if you have a c:\windows.old folder then you should be able to downgrade from the control panel / settings

Samat · Jun 17, 2017

gerry410 :

You can install Windows 10 directly on the new SSD and it should activate without giving a key durings install (it's tied to your motherboard), assuming that you wan't to keep using Windows 10.

USAFRet · Jun 17, 2017

gerry410 :

No, you do NOT have to reinstall Win 7 first, and then 10 again.
You can install 10 directly.

You have what is known as a digital entitlement. SPecifics of your system, and the original OS details, are merged into a hash and stored at the mothership.
Reinstall on a new drive, and it will activate itself once it goes online.

Create your own Win 10 install USB or DVD here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

When it asks for the license key, at the bottom of that window is a link for "I don't have a product key"
Click that and proceed on.

Scottray · Jun 17, 2017

The best way, in my opinion, is to associate your windows 10 key to your Microsoft account, BEFORE you do any PC changes. Then, you can download and install a clean copy of Windows 10. Log in to M/S account and Windows 10 will activate. See this link: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

USAFRet · Jun 17, 2017

Scottray :

Yes, that is needed for a motherboard change, and should be done anyway.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

But for a simple reinstall on a different drive, not needed.

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reinstall win7 on previously upgraded to win10

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