Do I need a new windows 10 while buying a new hard drive

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Nytro776

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Jul 23, 2017
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My hard drive recently died so I am buying a new one I was just wondering if I need to buy a new copy of windows 10 or not?
 
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Bo Lee
Taking for granted you registered your version of Windows 10, you should be able to log in to your Microsoft account and have your license there. If so, you will be able to download it and activate it, but you will have to have some kind of operating system installed in order to get that far, though I do believe it will allow you to download from another computer to a DVD or Flash drive so that you can boot from it and install.

The key is not stored in the BIOS chip. It is just the s/n from the chip that is coded to your account, which is why logging into your microsoft account should unlock and activate your new copy of Windows 10.
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jaguarskx

jaguarskx

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Apr 19, 2006
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If your computer only has one hard drive and it has died, then your computer will no longer have Windows 10 anymore. However, the Windows 10 product key is stored in the motherboard's BIOS chip. That basically means you do not need to purchase Windows 10 for your PC.

However, you will need to use a different PC to download Microsoft's Windows 10 installation media tool; the link is below. You have two basic options; created a bootable USB drive or download the ISO image of Windows 10 and then burn it onto a blank DVD. Therefore, you need to purchase a USB thumb drive (not expensive), or the PC you are using to download needs to have a DVD burner... and you need to buy a blank DVD.

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

 
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Bo Lee

Bo Lee

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Jun 17, 2015
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Taking for granted you registered your version of Windows 10, you should be able to log in to your Microsoft account and have your license there. If so, you will be able to download it and activate it, but you will have to have some kind of operating system installed in order to get that far, though I do believe it will allow you to download from another computer to a DVD or Flash drive so that you can boot from it and install.

The key is not stored in the BIOS chip. It is just the s/n from the chip that is coded to your account, which is why logging into your microsoft account should unlock and activate your new copy of Windows 10.
 
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Solution
Bo Lee

Bo Lee

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Jun 17, 2015
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Had this discussion on another thread here. I thought that also until I was shown a link on Microsoft's page about it. And it isn't actually stored in the BIOS chip. The s/n is on the BIOS chip and that is tied to your account.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-other_settings/windows-10-key-and-bios-keys-different/33192482-10d8-48c8-906c-24044706b9a2

And this link here also seems to suggest your key is stored on their server now also.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-tweaks-activation-rules-for-the-windows-10-anniversary-update/
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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For an install in the same system, just on another drive..no new license is needed.
Install, and skip by the 'enter the license key' part.

Your system details are stored at homebase, and it will activate itself.

For new hardware that you own...new motherboard...read and do this before changing parts:
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
 
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