Windows 10 Backup - OS only - Microsoft Community

hi,

i purchased windows 8.1 , upgraded windows 10 during free upgrade window.

i trying avoid following scenario:

1. free upgrade window expires

2. want move computer / os crashes, , need reinstall windows 10.

3. need reinstall windows 8.1 , buy upgrade windows 10.

how should proceed back-up clean copy of windows 10 os ? clean copy mean no drivers, programs, miscellaneous files.

hi,

i purchased windows 8.1 , upgraded windows 10 during free upgrade window.

i trying avoid following scenario:

1. free upgrade window expires

the free upgrade offer not expire. once took advantage of during free offer period, free entire life of device. means, computer future revisions of windows 10 , updates, automatically free.

2. want move computer / os crashes, , need reinstall windows 10.

the ability transfer depend on type of license upgraded from, learn more:

how transfer windows 10 license new computer

3. need reinstall windows 8.1 , buy upgrade windows 10.

if reinstalling on same computer, answer no. can reinstall windows 10 directly on same 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. you prompted enter product key couple times through installation, click don't have key , later.

there no need know or new key, if have issues digital licensing or activation troubleshooter, can utilize existing windows 7 or windows 8/8.1 product key you ownto reactivate if necessary. or use reset function in windows 10.

step 1: how download official windows 10 iso files

step 2: how prepare bootable install media windows 10 - dvd, usb or sd card

step 3: how to: perform clean install of windows 10

how should proceed back-up clean copy of windows 10 os ? clean copy mean no drivers, programs, miscellaneous files.

this possible on performing fresh install of windows 10.

how to: create system image in windows 10

how restore windows 10 system image existing or larger storage device

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