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17930
March 31st, 2017 10:00
Clean Install of Windows 10 Pro
Is there anyway to do a clean install of Windows 10 Pro?
I purchased my laptop with Windows 10 Home, knowing I have a full (i.e. not upgrade) pro licence. However, if I try to do a clean install, Windows setup does not ask for my activation key, but installs Home straight-away using the OEM activation key.
Is there any way to circumvent this?
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HJLBX
5 Posts
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March 31st, 2017 11:00
The Media Creation Tool does not create a clean install setup that asks for the user to select the version. It is because the installation media will not over-ride the Windows version specified in the OEM BIOS.
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-select-pro-edition-while-installing-windows-10/
The workaround is this:
You have to create a new ei.cfg file and place it into the Sources folder on the W10 installation USB created using Media Creation Tool:
1. In notepad copy-paste:
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
2. Save As ei.cfg - don't save as a .txt, but instead use the drop-down menu in the notepad save window, select *.* and name it \ Save as
ei.cfg
3. Copy-paste the above ei.cfg file into the Sources folder on the Windows 10 installation USB
Now, when you boot the system using the USB, you will get a drop-down menu where you can select Pro or Home.
* * * * *
An alternative is to install W10 Home and then upgrade to Pro by entering this generic key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
The first option above is much faster; the 2nd option is installing W10 Home followed by a Pro upgrade = double install.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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March 31st, 2017 11:00
Two ways that I can think of:
On a Custom Clean Install, it should ask you what version you want to install. Select Pro and use that key in the beginning.
Alternatively, inside a newly installed version of Windows-10 Home, you should be able to Change the Key.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
0
March 31st, 2017 11:00
Hey Mods ... what happened to HJLBX post? It was here, then vanished while I was Replying to it.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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March 31st, 2017 11:00
You have to make usb flash media and use an EI.CFG to overrride using the onboard key. You will then have to change the key to activate.
In order to install clean 10and not be forced to install the edition of Windows 10 that that UEFI BIOS SLP key corresponds to you must override the UEFI BIOS SLP key you can add an EI.cfg.
To make an EI.cfg open up notepad and add the following to the file:
[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0
Under save as type, select “All Files”. Then call the file EI.cfg
Then copy the EI.cfg file to the sources folder of your Bootable USB Flash Drive:
Now during installation even if you have a UEFI BIOS SLP key you will be asked what
Edition of Windows 10 you want to install.
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
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March 31st, 2017 12:00
Hi ,
It should be showing up now, please check again.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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March 31st, 2017 12:00
Thanks for the Work-Around.
Pretty sure I've seen it prompt on some Release version (created with their Tool) over the years. However, that target system might have had no BIOS MSDM table (for embedded key).
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
0
March 31st, 2017 12:00
Oh, wait ... maybe that External URL or Key flagged it.
Those weren't there originally ... he did an Edit to Add them.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
0
March 31st, 2017 12:00
Ok, it's back. That was weird, because I didn't see anything wrong with it in the first-place.
fraserc
2 Posts
0
March 31st, 2017 13:00
Thank you. That worked a treat!
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
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April 4th, 2017 10:00
That is correct, we just needed to approve the external links.