OS reinstall after cpu upgrade

Question

ok so I have a dell inspiron pc with i3 and the motherboard spec say its compatable with i5 or i7 4th gen. My issue is when I got this pc it had win 7 on it and I got the free win 10 upgrade so how do I get the OS reinstalled after the cpu upgrade?

Philip_Yip · Answer

The thing that is important is the motherboard. As long as the motherboard is selected just clean install Windows 10 of the correct Edition (10 Home for 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium or 10 Pro for 7 Pro, Ultimate) without a key and it'll activate automatically when online. During the free upgrade, the systems motherboard details are stored on a Microsoft Product Activation Server. Post-installation when you are online your motherboard details will be resubmitted to that Product Activation server and it'll recognise your motherboard and reactivate Windows on it. More details here: https://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-oem-faqs-and-downloads/

speedstep · Answer

Windows 10 1809 will install on any machine with the "I don't have a key" option.

Once Online you change the product key via DOS box to enter your product key by using in administrator mode the cmd SLUI.EXE 3

You then enter the windows 7 home or pro key.

You do have to tell it the correct version at initial install.

Windows 10 activates fine with windows 7 keys.

AdrianG001 · Answer

Nope. Just go into bios and set everything to default or clear the Cmos. Only time when I reformat is when switching out the motherboard.   Regards, Adrian

Inspiron Desktops

OS reinstall after cpu upgrade

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