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March 15th, 2025 16:24

Need to be able Install Windows 10 on my Dell Insiron 15 (3250)

The main storage device (SSD drive) on my Dell Inspiron laptop is in need of replacement.  I have not been able to find replacement media for the Windows 10 operating system that was preinstalled.  How do I obtain the necessary Windows 10 installer that contains the proper Dell specific software for this laptop?

9 Legend

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8.1K Posts

March 15th, 2025 16:50

If you meant Inspiron 15 3520, your laptop was shipped with Windows 11.  There won't be a Windows 10 restore image partition which would contained Dell specific software for your laptop.

However, the core operating system for Windows 11 has many similarities with Windows 10.  Most Windows 11 drivers are compatible and can be used for Windows 10, and vice versa.  

You can attempt to install Windows 10 on a new replacement drive for testing.  Eventually, you still have to install Windows 11 when Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October.

10 Elder

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28.7K Posts

March 15th, 2025 17:03

There are two different 3520 models (but no 3250).  One is from 2013 and the other from 2023.  Which do you have?

If you have a 3250, it's not a notebook but a desktop system -- or is that what you are asking about (you posted the question in the notebook forum)?

(edited)

1 Rookie

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26 Posts

March 15th, 2025 20:16

Yes I am guilty of misstating the model.  It does look to be 3520

<Private data removed from public view. DELL-Admin>

Based on the kind of solid state storage device I don't think it could be the 2013 version.

I posted this topic on one of the Microsoft Forum sites which pretty well describes my dilemma.  I choose this computer because it has Windows 10.  I have several Windows 10 computers that do what I need just fine.  I'm not ready to relearn how to do everything on just one computer.  I do still have the option to return it to the seller which is looking more and more probable.

(edited)

10 Elder

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28.7K Posts

March 15th, 2025 20:27

As the other reply indicated, this system shipped with Windows 11 -- it has no Windows 10 support.  And with Windows 10 beginning its phaseout in about six months, the last thing you want is to install Windows 10 on it.

If the system was sold with Windows 10, that was installed by the seller -- not Dell.  The only version of Windows that has Dell support for this model is Windows 11.

1 Rookie

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March 16th, 2025 12:39

That does come as a surprise to me but I do appreciate your setting me straight.

Thanks for that!

9 Legend

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8.1K Posts

March 17th, 2025 04:21

If your laptop had Windows 10 Pro digital license activated, you can reinstall Windows 10 Pro or 11 Pro and it will be activated with entitlement digital license.

Use Windows Creation Tool to make a USB installer and select the same edition (Pro) to install on the replacement SSD.  When connecting to internet, it will be activated automatically.

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