In-Place Upgrade to Windows 10 from W8.1 Pro

Topic

New Reply

I know that the formal MS W10 free upgrade offer has ended. What I do not know is whether or not it still exists when you perform an in-place upgrade from W8.1 Pro to W10 Pro using the media creation tool. Has anyone done one of these upgrades recently and received a free W10 digital license or did you need to purchase a new W10 product key. I can get a key but would prefer to know whether I need to before purchasing. I suppose the upgrade would complete without the key and leave me with a W10 install that I would have to activate later with a valid key. Any feedback regarding recent experience would be appreciated. THX

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Replies

See Yes, you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade. Here’s how | ZDNet.

--Joe

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

THX for the info — I suspected this might be the case. As EOL approaches for W8.1, I am thinking about finally trying to upgrade. W8.1 has been so stable and trouble free compared to W10, especially with updating the OS, I will be sorry to let it go. Hopefully, that’s progress.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Before upgrading, be sure you have space on your System Drive (>9 Gb, perhaps 25 Gb), and that Libraries (e.g., Pictures, Documents, etc.) are in their default locations.

Zig

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Windows 10 has been very stable for the vast majority of users. I ran every Windows 10 Insider Preview build from the beginning without issues until I switched to Windows 11. Several other PCs I support have run Windows 10 through various updates for more than 5 years without a problem. The thing you must remember is that forums such as this is where users come with problems. Seldom do they come to say all is well. This can give a very distorted view of how the majority of users are functioning.

--Joe

Reply | Quote

That is good information; sine you have done this before, my preparation before commencing in-place upgrade from w8.1 pro:

1. Totally updated the OS thru 3/22

2. Ran DISM online to ensure image OK

3. Ran SFC as added integrity check for OS

4. Will do file history data backup to external USB drive

5. Will disconnect external USB drive

6. Will disable AVG Internet Security Software

7. Run the download of the W10 Media Creation Tool

8. Select Upgrade this PC keeping files and apps

Is there anything else I should consider? I am assuming the W10 installer will check for and provide necessary drivers to complete the OS install.

Reply | Quote

It is prudent to do a complete image backup of your system before beginning the upgrade process.

--Joe

1 user thanked author for this post.

mledman

Reply | Quote

anonymous wrote:

4. Will do file history data backup to external USB drive

Maybe just copy your data to an external USB drive.  No reason to add complexity or an extra point of failure.

Win 11 home - 24H2
Attitude is a choice...Choose wisely

Reply | Quote

I am trying to perform the in-place upgrade installation from Windows 8.1 Pro to Windows 10 Pro. The Windows 10 installation progresses to about 73% complete which is where it attempts to finalized the the installation and terminates with “Windows 10 Installation has Failed”. I have run diagnostics and looked at the setup log and the failure seems to result from DISM not being able to access a Package Manager from the DISM provider store need to add a servicing update package in a .cab file located at C:\$WINDOWS.`BT\DUImageSandbox\SSU-19041.1525-x64.cab. This triggers an abrupt down-level failure.

I am running the update from a USB Drive prepared using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. The host Windows 8.1 Pro OS is fully updated thru 3/22 cumulative updates and running without issues. So, I think I generally understand what is causing the upgrade to fail but not yet sure what to do about it.

If anyone has encounter this type of issue upgrading to Windows 10, I would appreciate sharing how you either successfully addressed it or whether the only path forward is “clean install W10 Pro”. THX

Reply | Quote

As a followup to the above windows 10 upgrade installation failure, I found that the only solution was to not allow the install to get updates during the install as recommended by Microsoft. I changed the way updates are accessed to later to force updating to post installation of the OS. The upgrade installation to Windows 10 Pro from W8.1 Pro then completed normally and the system was updated later. I tried this after analysis that there was no component or system integrity violations involving the installed W8.1 Pro OS. Also, the Windows 10 Pro installation was automatically activated with a permanent digital license by the MS activation servers.

1 user thanked author for this post.

mledman

Reply | Quote

Hi

I am also having the identical problem that you described here.  In my case, I’m trying to upgrade windows 7 pro to windows 10 using the media creation tool and it fails at 73% with the message “windows 10 installation has failed”.  How, exactly, did you manage to get the install to load updates later?

 

Reply | Quote

During the process of the installation it asks if you want to connect to the Internet to update. Answer “No” or “Not at this time.”

Reply | Quote

I want to to do an in place upgrade to Win 10 from Win 8.1 Pro on two computers. One has 4GB RAM and an SSD, the other 8GB RAM and an HDD. Not great hardware but both handle Win 8.1 easily, and will not be heavily used with Win 10.

I have 2 questions:

1) what’s a reasonable estimate for how long it will take? I realize that’s hardware dependent but I’m just looking for a rough estimate; 1 hour, 5 hours, overnight, etc.

2) do the Win 8.1 machines need to be fully/currently patched? Each one has a couple of the secure boot patches in the queue that Susan has recommended deferring.

Reply | Quote

Providing there are no serious problems, I allow myself at least half a day. Tasks would include:
+ Using the ISO to do the upgrade OFFLINE, choosing to keep Apps and data, and denying online connections for updating during the install.
+ Still offline: go through Control Panel and Settings App changing settings to control Windows Update and privacy. If you have HOME Edition, you may need to use wushowhide+Metered connections, or a third-party WU controller like WUMgr.
+ Once protections are in place, go ONLINE, verify activation, and bring the Win version up to date. Updates will take a while to download/install.
+ Go through the settings again and verify what you set is still in place.
+ Check that the programs and hardware you use still work on Win10, update those that need it (drivers, too).
+ Tie up loose ends.

Footnote: If they were mine, I’d leave KB5012170 alone for the time being.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Only thing I’d add to PK’s advice is I like to uninstall any unneeded programs, do a thorough cleanup, temp files, windows updates old files etc. Run a system file check and chkdsk and defrag/trim before going forward. Get it lean and clean. Also I turn off any a/v until complete

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

@PKCano and @cyberSAR, thanks for the tips.

One other question. On Susan’s advice I have downloaded Win 10 to a usb flash drive, to save for a rainy day. On the two machines I want to upgrade to Win 10 from 8.1, is there an advantage to installing Win 10 from the usb flash drive as opposed to choosing the option to “I want to upgrade this computer” (probably not the exact wording), thereby downloading Win 10 to the computer’s hard drive and installing from there?

The only advantage I can see to installing from a flash drive is that if you were going to upgrade a bunch of machines, you would only have to download once. But for two machines I’m fine with two downloads to prevent trying to get the machines to boot from the flash drive, which for me has sometimes been very frustrating.

Reply | Quote

I’ve run it from the drive (mounting the iso) and from a thumbdrive running the .exe. Don’t boot from the thumbdrive. When you’re ready to upgrade run it from within Windows

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

I managed to upgrade from Win 8.1 pro to Win 10 Pro. But after I log in I have about 15 seconds before I get a blue screen saying a problem was detected and it needs to restart. It gathers data then restarts and the same thing happens again. After a few tries I get a screen giving me options. I tried the “Reset” option, but that didn’t help. I can boot into safe mode but not safe mode with networking because even when I choose the ‘5’ or ‘F5’ option for that I still only get safe mode with no internet access.

The first couple times this happened I got a glimpse of a message saying the computer needs a driver and that it was looking for it. But that message no longer shows up.

When I get the blue screen saying a restart is required it also says there is a “system service exception” followed by RTDVHD64.sys. An internet search for RTDVHD64.sys only returned one hit which was more of an ad for a piece of software. A search for “system service disruption” yielded a bunch of hits, but almost all require that I mess around with settings or a few other things, but unless I’m in safe mode I can’t do any of these things since after 15 seconds the machine is blue screened and restarting.

Finally, I’m guessing the issue is either with a display driver or a wireless driver because sometimes the internet access icon is there, and sometimes it’s not, and it’s not always consistent with the “idiot” light on the front of the computer indicating wireless is on or off. I have a usb wifi dongle I can try but that needs to wait until tomorrow.

Reply | Quote

While you are in Safe Mode, look in Device Manager and see if you can determine which device is causing the problem.

You can download the driver on another PC and (try to) install it offline.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

RTDVHD64.sys is a realtek audio driver. Uninstall your realtek audio drivers in device manager and see if the windows default drivers work well enough to get you into normal mode. Then you can update them online.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Ah, yes. That would explain the little red x next to the sound icon in the task tray. I noticed that but it’s meaning went right by me. I’ll check it out later today.

Since my other option for this computer is to forget about Win 10 and just install Linux Mint on it, if I uninstall the Realtek driver(s) will they still be on the computer? In other words will I be able to reinstall them if I can’t get online to update them? I suspect Mint has generic audio drivers but you never know.

Reply | Quote

I’d actually delete the failing driver since it isn’t working anyway. Let Windows replace it. Then after you get it sorted you could check the mfr site for updated drivers which “may” offer some functionality that the windows driver doesn’t.

When upgrading I usually hunt down and update BIOS and drivers beforehand and/or have them available for install afterwards.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Windows device drivers won’t work with Linux!

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Well, I’m stumped, at least for the moment. I can get into Safe Mode and then the device manager. There are a handful of entries that have a yellow triangle with exclamation point that tell me the status of the device can’t be determined because the computer is in safe mode. When I try to update the driver, I’m told that Windows has determined the best driver is already installed, although there may be newer ones available from the device’s manufacturer. There are a couple of entries that don’t have the yellow triangle with exclamation point, that also tell me their status can’t be determined because of Safe Mode, But again I’m told the best drivers are already installed. With the exceptions below, I’m told the other devices are working properly.

There are 2 exceptions to the above. One is for the Intel Dual band wireless AC7265 for which Windows can’t initialize the device driver (code 37); the request is not supported. But again I’m told the best drivers are installed.

The other exception is for a listed Unknown Device, that it simply doesn’t know what to make of.

I did find the Realtek driver from the Dell website (computer is a Dell Latitude e5450 laptop), downloaded it with another computer and put it on a flash drive. I tried installing the driver from that drive but there was an error and the installation failed.

I used my Panda wireless dongle and that allows me to connect to the internet.

On the chance that I’m using a corrupted usb stick or got a bad Win 10 download, I’m going to download to a different usb stick and try the Win 10 installation again. If that fails I’ll probably try to get Linux Mint installed on it.

Reply | Quote

Did you try removing the realtek audio? As to the unknown device, you could remove it and see if it picks it up on reboot.

Looks like your machine supports 10 as there are drivers for it. Options I see, keep playing with it. Roll back to 8 and try again. Repair install. Fresh install of 10. Good luck and let us know how you fare!

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

No, I did not try removing the Realtek driver. I had assumed that installing the latest version of it from the Dell website would have the effect of removing the old one and replacing it with the new. Worth a try; do you mean Disabling or Uninstalling?

I did notice here that the Latitude e5450 has only been tested by Dell for Win 10 versions through 1909, but not for any later versions. Not sure what the implications of that are:
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000180684/dell-computers-tested-for-windows-10-october-2020-update-and-previous-versions-of-windows-10

I’ll try Disablin/Uninstalling and if that doesn’t work roll back to 8.1 which I think I can do from safe mode, Settings/Recovery, or from one of the “blue screen” options, then try installing again. I think I have a 10 day period for rolling back.

Is it worth while to make sure every last driver update and BIOS update on the Dell site are installed to 8.1 before trying another install of 10?

Thanks for your help!

Reply | Quote

I’d give it a shot uninstalling driver completely to see if you can booted into regular mode. I note that some driver installer packages don’t install properly, if at all, in safe mode. It’s also possible the latest driver could have an issue too.

Is it worth while to make sure every last driver update and BIOS update on the Dell site are installed to 8.1 before trying another install of 10?

That’s what I normally do prior to upgrading to 10 or 11

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Following @cyberSAR’s advice I uninstalled the Realtek Driver in Safe Mode, did a restart and it booted into Win 10 without going to blue screen after 15 seconds. Then I installed the latest Realtek driver from the Dell website.

There are still issues. Still no sound, which I don’t really care about for the anticipated usage of the computer. The speaker icon in the task tray says Audio Service is not turned on. I didn’t see where I can turn it on – doesn’t appear to be in Administrative Tools/Services.

I can connect to the internet which is consistent with the internet “idiot light” on the front of the computer being on. Also, the internet icon in the task tray says either I’m not connected or that the connection status is unknown even though the icon itself indicates I have internet connection and clicking on the icon says I’m connected.

The big problem is that Windows Update doesn’t work. I’ll take heat for this, but I didn’t use any of the update blockers (wushowhide, etc) because all the updates up until now have worked just fine on 2 other Win 10 machines and this being just a few days before the next patch Tuesday, things are about as ironed out as they’re going to get. When I opened WU there was a message that I needed updates. I clicked on Check for Updates and it came back with a list of 6 security updates and 6 driver updates, the status for each being Download 0%. And there it stayed for about an hour. I ran a WU Troubleshooter but it said it couldn’t detect the issue.

Finally, it doesn’t appear I can rollback to Win 8.1, at least not from Settings/System and Security/ Recover. I don’t really care about that since this whole project originated with my moving away from 8.1. But I will care if I need to rollback for some reason in order to get W 10 installed in working order.

I haven’t had time to investigate any of these issues, but if something obvious occurs to anyone, I’d be interested.

Reply | Quote

DrBonzo wrote:

There are still issues. Still no sound, which I don’t really care about for the anticipated usage of the computer. The speaker icon in the task tray says Audio Service is not turned on. I didn’t see where I can turn it on – doesn’t appear to be in Administrative Tools/Services.

Here’s how to enable the Audio Service for a particular device.

Open the Sound Control Panel (mmsys.cpl), select the device (in your case the speakers) on the “Playback” tab and click the “Properties” button at the lower right.

At the bottom of the new window that pops up, set Device usage: to Use this device (enable) and click OK

Click OK again to close the Sound Control panel.

The speaker icon should now show as active.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Try updating the driver for your Ethernet/WiFi card(s) from your OEM. That may clear up the “no Internet” message when it actually is connected.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

First things I would do is sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then I would check Dell’s site for any updated drivers – chipset, video, networking etc.

This may help with the audio if @alejr’s advice doesn’t work.
https://www.troubleshootingcentral.com/audio-service-is-not-running-error-how-to-fix/

This may help with network if @PKCano’s advice doesn’t help. I remember having had to do this registry entry once years ago. It may have been on an upgrade from 8-10 but too long ago to remember.
https://www.sysnative.com/forums/threads/windows-10-internet-icon-showing-no-internet-but-internet-works-solved.29962/

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I’ll get back to trying them tonight.

I’m worried about the inability of Windows Update to get past 0% download on any of the updates it says I need. If I recall correctly there’s a way to turn WU service off. I wonder if I should do that and then try to download the updates from the MS Catalog and install them.

Reply | Quote

I’ve had that occur a few times. Poor connection, bad routing, MS servers overloaded???? Generally after 2 or 3 reboots it gets going. I generally don’t sweat Windows Update until after I’ve updated all my drivers and run sfc and chkdsk.

One other thing you might consider if still having issues with the above stuff is to create another admin account just to rule out any profile corruption. I always setup at least 2 accounts just in case one goes bonkers or they forget password etc.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

And finally, install over the top.

cheers, Paul

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

I may need to do an over the top since I’ve fixed nothing so far.

When I try to turn on audio service, I’m told I can’t because I don’t have any audio devices installed.

I’ve downloaded and installed the latest wireless driver, and even though I’m connected to the internet, depending on where I look, I’m told my connection status isn’t known, or that I’m not connected, or that I am connected.

I ran chkdsk – no problems found.

I ran sfc /scannow – was told sfc found some corrupt files but was able to fix them.

I haven’t run dism yet – that’s for Saturday’s fun. Haven’t tried a second admin account, and there are other drivers I could update, although they don’t seem to have much relevance, and I’ve never updated the BIOS (I always took an if it ain’t broke don’t fix it attitude).

No success yet on getting any updates installed through Windows Update. They all get stuck on a status of 0% download.

Reply | Quote

If SFC is reporting errors you need to run DISM and then SFC to clean up before installing.

cheers, Paul

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Making some progress. Did a full cycle of chkdsk, sfc /scannow, and Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth, and Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then a restart and the another chkdsk and sfc /scannow. This gave me a system with the found corrupted files being repaired. I made a new usb stick with Win 10 21H2 on it and installed Win 10 again.

This got sound for me.

But there are still inconsistencies in the computer telling me I either am or am not connected to the internet, or that it can’t tell if I’m connected. Except that I am connected because I seemingly can go wherever I want on the web. I’ve successfully installed the latest Intel wireless driver from the Dell website.

There’s also funny stuff in Settings. In Accounts, I would literally see only a brief flash of the Accounts screen. But after a couple restarts I get the Accounts screen and can navigate my way through it, although I haven’t yet made another account. I also get an error when I try to check for updates. It says “Error Encountered. Couldn’t connect to the update service.” Windows Defender also fails to connect to get new virus definitions.

I’m running low on ideas. I’ll try my wireless dongle and see if that clears up the connection reporting ambiguity. I will also try @cyberSAR’ suggestion to create another account with admin privileges. It would nice if a new account fixed Windows Update, although I’d be OK with downloading updates from the MS catalog.

Reply | Quote

Windows update is probably a symptom of not being connected to the internet.

I would uninstall everything network related in Device Manager and then reboot. Windows should reinstall everything.

cheers, Paul

Reply | Quote

Current status is that Windows Update can’t connect to download updates, and Defender can’t connect to get Virus definition updates. Depending on where I look, the computer tells me I’m connected with internet access, I’m not connected and have no internet access, or it can’t determine whether or not I’m connected or whether or not I have internet.

The fact is that I do have internet.

But I discovered I really like that Windows Update can’t work. I just figure out what updates I need, download them from the MS Catalog and install them manually. I just finished getting the computer updated through the August patches.

So I’m not inclined to put any more effort into this. I have a functional Win 10 computer, which is what I wanted.

Reply | Quote

You are downloading the updates that normally come through Windows Update and installing them manually.
How about the updates that don’t come through Windows Update – Defender, Store Apps (that are there even if you don’t use them), Taskbar tweaks, KIRs, etc. Are you getting those?

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Try a manual Defender update.

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/defender-wont-update-with-a-metered-connection/

cheers, Paul

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

I can get Defender updates manually and I can download and run the MSERT program. The computer has a local account only so I’m probably not getting App Store updates. I have no use/need for App Store on this computer.

I don’t care about task bar tweaks. Should I from a security standpoint?

Don’t know if I can get a KIR.

Thanks for the input PKCano and PaulT. I hadn’t thought about KIR, taskbar, or App Store. When the computer was running Win 8.1, Windows Update didn’t seem to affect any of those. Yes, I know, things change…

Reply | Quote

FYI: MSFT KIR (Known Issues Rollback) – where a particular regression can be quietly rolled back without affecting other critical updates. You don’t install it or anything, it’s background related to telemetry feedback that distinguishes whether the system needs a fix or not.

 

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

So it sounds like a KIR is independent of Windows Update and should get to my computer whether or not WU works?

Reply | Quote

DrBonzo wrote:

The computer has a local account only so I’m probably not getting App Store updates.

You should, I have a local account on two devices and get store updates for various extensions like VP9 video, Web Media extensions, HEIF Image extensions that can ONLY be updated via the store.(yes they do get updates for both security and performance related fixes)

Sounds like something is amiss somewhere, have you checked your GPedit.msc settings in relation to the store? or have you tweaked something using a 3rd party app that controls the store?

The Store and Edge are a burden (to me) which I believe need to be kept and updated as part of the OS for security and fluid functionality as well as erradicating the possibility of future CU patch issues.

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

I don’t know whether I’ve gotten App Store updates or not; only been running Win 10 for a few days. But I’m not sure how to check for App Store updates, nor about checking GPedit.msc settings.

No 3rd party software except now Opera. Edge checks for updates and installs updates just fine.

Reply | Quote

If you look at reliability history/Reliability Monitor, you will likely see store app updates in the Information entries, often several per day.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

It appears all the App Store Apps are updating. I haven’t yet checked GPedit.msc yet, but when I check for updates in the App Store it tells me they’re all up to date. I also see some updates in the Reliability History.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Microfix

Reply | Quote

Something is strange with what’s occurring. I wonder, have you ever run anything like a block windows 10 program on the machine prior? Being it was an upgrade maybe the key(s) stayed in registry???? What about host file, firewall etc?

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

The only 3rd party software that has ever been on the computer whether in Win 8.1 or Win 10 is Firefox and Opera.

Reply | Quote

Have you tried a run through of this since you got up into a normal boot?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-updating-windows-188c2b0f-10a7-d72f-65b8-32d177eb136c

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Done them all except rename software distribution files, clean restart into Windows, and a clean install of Win 10. Still need to try your suggestion of another account, too.

Reply | Quote

If you get *any* issues following an upgrade from a previous version then IMO it’s often time to seriously consider doing a clean install instead of troubleshooting. IME it’s usually quicker in the long run. (TBH, I wouldn’t ever suggest an in-place upgrade from a previous version.)

That way you *know* you’re working from a decent foundation rather than spending time trying to work out what went wrong.

I know there are many who claim to have never had an issue, but reading upgrade topics here and elsewhere suggests there are many, many more whose experiences are very different… this topic for example.

1 user thanked author for this post.

DrBonzo

Reply | Quote

Rick, I can confirm that experience after upgrading Win7 & 8.1 on various devices years ago, although the motive wasn’t to keep the upgrades but, only to activate a digital license for W10
AKA failsafe for the future 😉
I then restored Win7/ 8.1 images respectively for their devices until W10 settled down with it’s then, frantic follies of ‘creature updates’.
With two Win8.1 devices having been W10 activated, I can now nuke and fresh install from Win8.1 to W10 using any in-support version whenever although sticking with Win8.1 for now.

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

Reply | Quote

Microfix wrote:

Rick, I can confirm that experience after upgrading Win7 & 8.1 on various devices years ago, although the motive wasn’t to keep the upgrades but, only to activate a digital license for W10
AKA failsafe for the future 😉
I then restored Win7/ 8.1 images respectively for their devices until W10 settled down with it’s then, frantic follies of ‘creature updates’.
With two Win8.1 devices having been W10 activated, I can now nuke and fresh install from Win8.1 to W10 using any in-support version whenever although sticking with Win8.1 for now.

I never used Windows 8.x as a daily driver. I experimented briefly when it came out, hated the experience and stuck with Windows 7 until years after Windows 10 was released (although used 10 on several test devices and VMs to learn as much as I could about it for when my place of work updated).

Gradually I moved to 10 at home… but have always clean installed for the last ~7-8 years. I used the method of backing up 7’s ‘activation files’ in order to validate any new clean installs of 10.

When I bought some ‘lost and found’ Dell laptops at an auction I found that, despite them having no original hard drives, they all activated Windows 10 automatically using the Windows 8.x key embedded in their firmware. (They’re now 7 yrs old… so I’ve begun checking my local auction house’s monthly online catalogue again.)

As I store almost no data on any device it’s become routine to ‘clean install’ every time. I cannot remember the last time I carried out an in-place upgrade unless it was for other people having issues.

 

 

 

Reply | Quote