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Where is Windows 10 stored?

dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -  
Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -
Hello, I have a computer running Windows 10 and its hard drive has just failed. I would like to know where Windows 10 is stored because if the hard drive is unrecoverable, I will have to turn to Linux after buying a new drive... (I don't want to pay for Windows 10 because the price is quite high from what I remember xD)

Thank you for your answers!

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1 answer

  1.
    Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
     
    Hello.

    >>> the hard drive just died. <<<

    In this case, Windows 10 is irretrievable because... it is installed on the HDD!

    Now, if it's a free upgrade to Windows 10, then there's no problem reinstalling it for FREE on the new HDD. If it’s a PC that originally came with Windows 10, again there should be no problem with reinstallation.

    If you need to purchase an activation key, there are some very affordable ones available. Then, simply burn an ISO of Windows 10 that matches the activation key onto a DVD or USB drive.
    ( "Home" or "Pro" version

    This is just a suggestion... Cheers

    --
    It's no use running; you must start on time...
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    1. dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
       
      The computer was originally running Windows 7 and has switched to Windows 10 (without asking for permission), how can I recover Windows 10?
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      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        Hi,

        The installation ISO is available for free download: https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows10

        Follow this tutorial that explains how to install Windows 10: how to install Windows 10.
        All the steps are provided from A to Z with tips at the end to secure Windows 10.

        The steps are roughly:

        - Download the Windows 10 installation ISO.
        - Prepare an installation medium on a USB drive or DVD.
        - Boot from it by modifying the boot sequence and indicating the USB drive or DVD
        - Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.


        Regarding your license, since it's the same motherboard, it should recognize the computer and not ask for anything.
        Activation shouldn't be an issue either.
        At worst, there's an option "I changed my hardware" and you indicate that the hard drive has changed.
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      2. dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   > Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention  
         
        OK thanks a lot, I'll do that once I've bought my new hard drive, I'll keep you posted ;)
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      3. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782 > dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        No problem . . . You will need to prepare a second PC to download the ISO and then burn it to a DVD or USB stick.

        Until next news . . . Have a good evening
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      4. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782 > dorian66 Posted messages 50 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        Re.

        >>> without anyone asking him <<<<

        Well, it's already good news since the digital license (activation key) has been "given" to you by Microsoft! So, you will just need to reinstall a Windows 10 ISO on the new hard drive.

        Have you already changed the hard drive? Respond quickly because at 8:30 PM I'm shutting down the PC (family life requires it)

        See you (if not, tomorrow)
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