Hard drive died on desktop. Can I install Windows 10 on a new drive using a recovery disc?

[Zak Hutchinson]

Unfortunately I bought the computer from a customizing place and did not get the Windows 7 installation discs. I have my work laptop and my old laptop, which have Windows 10 and Windows 7 installed, respectively. Luckily I also have my Windows 7 product key from my busted computer. My question is, can I buy a new drive (probably going to go with an SSD and a normal HDD for back up purposes this time) and create recovery discs on either of my laptops to get Windows (preferably 10) back on my desktop?

 

[USAFRet]

Create your DVD or USB install media (NOT 'recovery disks') from the MediaCreation tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

Boot from that, install.
When it asks for the license key, enter your Win 7 license.

 

[Zak Hutchinson]

How much space will I need? I'm trying to go for the most economical option as far as creating the install media. I don't think I need 10 blank DVDs, so if I can get a cheap flash drive on sale, I'd do that.

 

[USAFRet]

How much space will I need? I'm trying to go for the most economical option as far as creating the install media. I don't think I need 10 blank DVDs, so if I can get a cheap flash drive on sale, I'd do that.

A single DVD or a 4GB or larger USB stick.

"A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted."

 

[Zak Hutchinson]

Awesome. And the USB reader is connected to the motherboard directly right? So there shouldn't be any problems reading it?

 

[USAFRet]

Awesome. And the USB reader is connected to the motherboard directly right? So there shouldn't be any problems reading it?

USB stick, connected to one of the USB ports. Either front or back of the case.
Use a USB 2.0 port to prevent any potential weirdness.