How to reinstall Windows 10 on an SSD without losing the license

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The main takeaways

As a general rule, your Windows 10 license key should not be lost if you reinstall it on the same computer and motherboard with an SSD.
A clean install provides a fresh operating system with no hidden issues or damage. However, it will remove all installed apps and non-default Windows files.
Cloning Windows 10 to a new SSD is a better choice than a clean install, as it eliminates the hassle of reinstalling the OS and keeps all your data intact.
<Tool Name> Disk Clone is a professional disk cloning tool that can be used to clone HDD to SSD without reinstalling Windows. It creates a 1:1 replica of the original disk, including the Windows operating system, settings, installed applications, configurations, and other data.

Recently, I bought a new solid-state drive to replace my old, smaller one, and I want to install Windows 10 on it. I could clone the Windows partition to the new drive, but I'd rather start from scratch. Would it work if I simply remove the old drive, insert the new one, then install Windows from a bootable USB drive before activating the product key? If not, what should I do? Yes, that should work just fine. You'll need to enter your product key during the installation process, or you can activate Windows later by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If you run into any snags, you might need to call Microsoft's activation hotline (the number will be provided if necessary) and explain that you're moving Windows to a new hard drive. Have your proof of purchase handy. While you're at it, consider turning on BitLocker, the built-in encryption for Windows. With your old drive out of the picture, now is a great time to encrypt the new one. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption, and follow the prompts.

Are you also worried about losing your Windows license key when upgrading to a new SSD? Actually, in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems, as long as you don't change your computer or motherboard, you can upgrade to a new drive and reinstall Windows while keeping the same Windows license. When you install the new SSD and restart your computer, it will automatically recognize the same license and run Windows using that license.

A Windows license is a legal agreement between you and Microsoft that allows you to use their Windows operating system on your computer, tied to the motherboard. Therefore, you don't have to worry about losing your license when reinstalling Windows on a new SSD. However, before reinstalling Windows, there are a few requirements you need to meet:

Do not replace the computer's motherboard or CPU. When reinstalling Windows, make sure the old hard drive is not connected.

Important note:: If you don't want to reinstall Windows or lose any data from your old HDD/SSD when upgrading to an SSD, there's another way: clone your old drive to the new one. This will create a 1:1 copy of the original drive, including the operating system, installed apps, personal files, system-related settings and configurations, music, videos, pictures, and so on.

The article will also introduce how to clone with a professional disk cloning tool, Disk Copy, to migrate your Windows 10 operating system to a new disk without data loss. You can use it to transfer Windows 10 from HDD to SSD seamlessly.

Found this guide helpful? Don't forget to share it with your followers so they can keep their license when reinstalling Windows too.

How to Reinstall Windows on an SSD [Step-by-Step Guide]

Reinstalling Windows will give you a fresh system, just like when you first used your computer. Before starting the process, make sure you're well-prepared to ensure a smooth Windows 10 installation.

1️⃣ Backup all data on both the old disk and the new SSD/HDD to prevent data loss in case of unexpected system failures or bad sectors. 2️⃣ Initialize and format the new disk in Disk Management before using it. 3️⃣ If your computer has only one disk slot, prepare a SATA-to-USB cable or adapter to connect the new disk to your computer. 4️⃣ Get a new USB drive for installing Windows and format it to FAT32 beforehand.

Now, follow the steps below to install Windows 10 on the SSD.

⏰DURATION: 30-40 minutes

Step 1: Create the Windows installation media on a USB drive

Download the "Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, run it, and choose to use "USB flash drive" as your media.

Create Windows 10 installation media

Step 2: Boot your computer from the USB installer

- Disconnect the old hard drive and replace it with the new SSD. - Insert the USB drive. - Restart your computer and press F2, F8, F12, or Del to enter the BIOS settings. - Under the "Boot" tab, set the USB drive as the boot device.

Step 3: Install Windows on the new SSD

In the Windows Setup window, click on Install now to begin the installation. If prompted for a license or product key, select I'm reinstalling Windows 10 on this device to skip activation. Then, click on Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Installing only Windows

Step 4: Set up your new Windows operating system

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and then wait for your computer to restart. When you see the Windows logo, the process will be complete, and you can enjoy your fresh copy of Windows on your SSD.

Even better! Upgrade your SSD/HDD without reinstalling Windows and losing your license

As mentioned, reinstalling Windows is a complicated and lengthy process. To simplify things and save time, it's highly recommended that you clone Windows 10 to SSD, which doesn't require a Windows license.

"Tools Disk Copy" is a professional and reliable disk cloning software equipped with powerful features that allow you to effortlessly clone disks, systems, or partitions with just a few simple clicks.

Support for various types of SSDs, including M.2, SATA, NVMe, etc.
Compatibility with multiple hard drive manufacturers.
Clone a hard drive with bad sectors.
Sector-by-sector cloning to copy only used space.
Faster cloning speed compared to similar tools.
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and tech-savvy users.
Clone a smaller SSD to a larger SSD or vice versa.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the tool now to migrate Windows 10 and other data to a new hard drive with ease.

⏰ Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

?Prerequisites: A brand-new SSD with enough storage for the Windows installation. Connect the SSD to your computer via a SATA-to-USB cable or adapter. Back up any data on the SSD beforehand.

Step 1: In Disk Mode, select the HDD you want to clone.

Step 2: Select the SSD as the destination disk.

Step 3: After you have configured the disk layout, click “Continue” to proceed with the installation.

Since the destination is an SSD, it's recommended to check “Enable TRIM if the destination is an SSD.”

A warning will appear, telling you that the data on the SSD will be erased. If you don't have anything important on the target drive, click "OK" to proceed.

Step 4: Wait for the process to complete.

Click Continue to start the cloning process

After cloning, you can use the old disk as a data drive and boot from the cloned SSD, effectively running Windows on it.

Set boot order

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with your followers so they can reinstall Windows without losing their activation, too.

Closing remarks

It's all about "Reinstalling Windows 10 on SSD Without Losing License". We offer two options to upgrade to a new or larger disk: reinstall Windows 10 or clone Windows 10 to new SSD. In either case, as long as you don't change the motherboard, your Windows license will not be lost.

If you have enough time and there isn't too much data on your computer, you can choose the first method to reinstall Windows. Otherwise, the clone method is recommended, which can keep all your data and save you lots of trouble with the help of AOMEI Backupper.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reinstalling Windows 10 on an SSD

Will I lose my Windows 10 license if I change the SSD?

If you replace an SSD, the Windows license should not be lost, but it is tied to the computer and motherboard, so don't change those. Keep the old one around, though, as you may need the Windows license if you have to reinstall Microsoft software.

Where can I get the product key for Windows 10?

After purchasing a digital version of Windows, the product key will be included in your email confirmation. Head to the Microsoft Online Store and purchase a license for the edition of Windows 10 you want to install. The product key will be emailed to you after your purchase.

3. Can I reuse my Windows 10 key on the new SSD?

Certainly, but you'll need to ensure that you're reinstalling the same version of Windows.

How can I reinstall Windows 10 on an SSD without losing my license?