Windows Key

[Julsie]

If I do a Clean install of windows 10 will my windows 8 key be valid?

[Guest Ziggy]

You might want to check the link provided - I think it will answer the questions you may have about the upgrade and licensing

http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-youve-got-questions-ive-got-answers/

[Brian Burgess]

Before you do a clean install...do an UPGRADE first. That will associate your valid Windows key with your Windows Account. After that, you can do a clean install.

An annoying extra step I know, but right now it seems that is the way to do it. According to Microsoft FAQ:

"Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded."

[Brian Burgess]

If found this too:

"As you might imagine, the servers which are handling the distribution of Windows 10, the Windows Store and indeed Activation are all taking a huge hammering thanks to the day-one rush. Because of this, everything is a little bit slow right now. Windows 10 PCs which are not activated after upgrading shouldn't worry, your activation will eventually show up."

via http://www.winbeta.org/news/did-your-windows-10-upgrade-activate-if-not-itll-happen-soon

[Guest Ziggy]

@ Julsie... Apart from Brian's explanation you may also wish to check out this link...

http://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-install-windows-10/