Transferring OEM Windows installation to new HD without manufacturer recovery disc?

[JFtech]

My Toshiba laptop hard drive is failing so I bought a new hard drive. I can still boot up the laptop and run it for a couple minutes before it shuts down.

So I'm wondering, can I install Windows onto my new hard drive by either: 1) creating a system image of my old hard drive, or 2) downloading a Windows ISO from Microsoft's website, installing that on the new HD, and just entering in my Windows key? If it matters, my laptop was originally a Windows 8.1 machine that I updated to 10.

I know I can order a disc from Toshiba that can reinstall Windows with all of the necessary drivers for my laptop, but I'd like to explore a free option if there is one.

 

[Hlsgsz]

You can clone your current install using a software like this: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
Ideally, you would have both drives connected to teh system wiht a usb adapter.

 

[elbert]

If you have tied your key to your account then all you have to do is log in once you install windows 10.

 

[USAFRet]

From a failing drive, a clone is probably not the best way forward.

Clean install on the new drive.
You should not have any issues with activation. Changing drives does not trigger that.

 

[JFtech]

Thanks everyone for the help! I didn't realize that installing and activating Windows 10 was so easy.