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I have a Lenovo laptop that had Windows 8 preinstalled on it, and I upgraded it to Windows 10 while it was free for Windows 7/8 users. I would like to format the laptop to Windows 10 so I can sell it, but I can't find a way to reinstall Windows 10 without any sort of product key. Is it possible to format my laptop to Windows 10 without a product key?

This is not related to the question this is marked a duplicate of because that question is about making a clean install of Windows 10 using the free upgrade. I am asking if, after the free upgrade, if I can clear all the files/programs/settings/etc..

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ZomoXYZ
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  • Just use your Windows 8.1 key – Ramhound May 08 '16 at 14:27
  • @Ramhound Windows 8 came preinstalled on it, so it did not give me a Windows product key – ZomoXYZ May 08 '16 at 14:30
  • You still have one, there are existing questions on how you determine what it is, but Windows 10 also will automatically detect and accept your a windows 8.1 key – Ramhound May 08 '16 at 14:36
  • @Ramhound I looked up how to find my product key, but all I got is that on Windows 10, these programs will return generic keys because Windows 10 changed how the keys work. – ZomoXYZ May 08 '16 at 14:40
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    Your Windows 8.1 key is embedded in firmware, there are existing questions, that explain how to determine what that key is, but that is not a required step because once again I will repeat the installer will AUTOMATICALLY detect what the Windows 8.1 key is and accept it – Ramhound May 08 '16 at 14:46
  • [here](http://superuser.com/questions/538302/reinstall-windows-8-on-a-windows-8-based-system-with-embedded-key/633683#633683) is a tool that will get your Windows 8.1 key, but again, not a required step – Ramhound May 08 '16 at 14:54
  • Possible duplicate of [Can I install the free Windows 7/8 -> 10 upgrade on a new empty drive?](http://superuser.com/questions/946348/can-i-install-the-free-windows-7-8-10-upgrade-on-a-new-empty-drive) – Moab May 08 '16 at 15:06
  • " Is it possible to format my laptop to Windows 10 without a product key?", it is a dupe according to your original question. Yes its possible and there are several ways to approach how to accomplish this. – Moab May 08 '16 at 19:36

2 Answers2

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You can Reset your Windows 10 installation. Check out this link - Recovery options in Windows 10 and expand the "Reset Your PC" link to see where to find the option.

Zina
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Yes, you can. During Windows 10 Setup, select the “I don’t have a product key” option and continue as usual. After it is completely installed, Windows 10 will automatically restore a previous activation on the same machine. An Internet connection is required.

Daniel B
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