( Editor’s Note: We have tried it now, and yes, on an HP Spectre x360 that came preinstalled with Windows 8.1, it resets to 8.1.How to create and use installation media to reinstall Windows 11/10 via USB drive

There, you’ll have the option to keep your personal files and reinstall Windows, remove all your files and settings, or perform a factory reset, which will probably bring the PC back to Windows 8.1. You can do in the Settings > Update & Security menu. Microsoft encourages you to upgrade to Windows 10 first, and then-if you so choose-wipe the drive and reset Windows to improve performance. If this is a brand-new installation, of course, you’ll need to enter the proper key. If you’re upgrading from a licensed copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can click the tiny “skip” option Microsoft will dig out the license key from the depths of your machine. You may run into a situation where Windows asks for a license key. Make sure you allow Windows to grab updates as it goes. You’ll need to agree to a license agreement, and then the installation process will begin in earnest. Make sure you allow Windows to download relevant drivers as the installation proceeds. I tried an in-place installation instead.įrom there, however, the installation proceeded smoothly. However, I ran into an issue where Windows claimed my disk partitions were improperly organized and refused to let me go further. You can try a clean installation by booting directly from the USB key or DVD when you do so, you have the option of keeping your files or wiping out everything. You won’t be able to score a free upgrade to Windows 10 Professional if you existing license doesn’t support it. Note that you can use this tool not only to upgrade Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PCs, but also Windows 10 PCs with older builds. Don’t get sneaky, though. Even better, you can select whether you want Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional, either 32-bit or 64-bit versions, and even the installation language. Yes, it’s true-you don’t need the Windows 10 reservation, as the tool will simply jump you to the head of the line. Though simple, the tool has a number of lovely features-including the ability to simply upgrade the PC. On the media creation tool page, select the proper version-check the system settings to double-check whether you’re running a 32- or 64-bit OS. You have the option of using Microsoft’s tool either for upgrading the current PC, or to store the bits on a USB key for safekeeping.

Win10 installation media