My computer factory reset itself (by itself) and so I lost my - Microsoft Community

came in unresponsive computer. when rebooted it, began factory reset unable exit. never had happen before. anyway, is, of course, gone. includes free windows 10 download. i've tried re-install media creation download, asks product key , there none. don't see way around , won't automatically go online authorize it. i'm having trouble finding resolution other purchasing new copy of windows 10. ideas?

which version of windows installed on computer?

when upgraded previous version of windows or receive new computer preinstalled windows 10, happened hardware (your pc) digital entitlement, unique signature of computer stored on microsoft activation servers. windows 7 or windows 8 genuine license running exchanged diagnostics key.

anytime need reinstall windows 10 on machine, proceed reinstall windows 10. automatically reactivate.

so, there no need know or product key, if need reinstall windows 10, can use windows 7 or windows 8 product key or use reset function in windows 10.

if prompted enter product key, click 'i don't have key' , 'do later'

download media creation tool now

right click mediacreationtool.exe file click run administrator.

note: how verify if downloaded or installed windows 10 anniversary update

select option upgrade pc now if want upgrade right away, of if want download iso image or create bootable copy on usb thumb drive, choose create installation media pc then click next

a new option has been added setup screen users reinstalling windows 10 on installed , activated system. if system has digital license attached it, windows 10 automatically upgraded:

Windows / Windows 10 / Install, upgrade, & activate / PC