Do i need to upgrade to W10 first in order to clean install?

[aryamanp56]

I want to clean install W10 on a new SSD. I'll be switching from W7 Ultimate Edition SP1. Do i need to upgrade to W10 first so that my key can be converted? Or can i use my W10 flash drive to install it right away.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[inerax]

You can use your windows 7 key to install windows 10 fresh. You do not need to upgrade first. Here is some more info.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activation

 

[madmatt30]

If you have an official win 7 install key you can clean install win 10 straight off & register with the win 7 key during installation.

If its a prebuild & you don't have a physical key to use its safer to upgrade first, make sure it's activated ,vthen do a fresh install.

 

[aryamanp56]

If you have an official win 7 install key you can clean install win 10 straight off & register with the win 7 key during installation.

If its a prebuild & you don't have a physical key to use its safer to upgrade first, make sure it's activated ,vthen do a fresh install.

I had the OEM version of W7 installed by someone i knew a couple years ago so i don't have access to the key. Would upgrading be a safer bet in that case?

 

[madmatt30]

^ yes definitely IMO mate .
For the sake of an extra hour or two it is.

 

[geofelt]

If you have an official win 7 install key you can clean install win 10 straight off & register with the win 7 key during installation.

If its a prebuild & you don't have a physical key to use its safer to upgrade first, make sure it's activated ,vthen do a fresh install.

I had the OEM version of W7 installed by someone i knew a couple years ago so i don't have access to the key. Would upgrading be a safer bet in that case?

You can find your key by running a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder"