Check the License Before Formatting
Open Activation settings and record the installed edition and activation status. If the license is linked to a Microsoft account, confirm that the device appears in the account. Keep the original product key or purchase information available, but do not publish or share the key in screenshots.
All Windows 10 product keys we issue are the highest tier retail digital licenses. These are licenses that does not bind to any of your hardware making it possible to reinstall Windows unlimited number of times even after a significant hardware change. Highest tier digital license also allows you to use Windows 10 on any hardware that meets the minimum system requirements and upgrade your operating system without any restrictions in the future.
An OEM key, on the other hand, is only installable on a single PC as it tends to attach to the computer’s motherboard making the system difficult to upgrade as the key persists even after installation of a new system. Some OEM keys are locked to a specific brand of hardware such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo and will produce an error if installed on different hardware. A change in hardware such as hard drive, video card or any parts that are not there during the first time Windows 10 was installed disables OEM licenses as they are very system-specific.
Because highest tier digital licenses are never bound to the system, You will have to re-enter your product key every time you normally format the PC. This is not a problem if you saved your product key or bound it to a Microsoft account. However, with Windows 10, it is possible to completely format the PC without having to enter the product key again. This is helpful for those who lost access to their product keys and failed to bind their digital licenses with their Microsoft account.
OEM, Retail and Digital License Differences
Whether a license can be reused depends on its type, the device, and the applicable license terms. OEM licenses are generally associated with the first device, while retail licenses may have different transfer rights. A digital license is an activation method, not a promise that every hardware change will be accepted automatically.
If you need a fresh Home edition license, choose a Windows 10 Home key before reinstalling
| License Type | Typical Device Association | Transfer | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM | Generally associated with the first device | Depends on applicable license terms | Product key or digital activation |
| Retail | Licensed according to applicable retail terms | May have transfer rights depending on the license | Product key or digital activation |
| Digital License | Activation method rather than a separate license tier | Depends on the underlying license | Windows activation servers recognize eligible devices |
Reset This PC or Perform a Clean Install
Reset This PC reinstalls Windows using recovery options on the current device. A clean installation uses external installation media and gives more control over partitions. Compare both methods in a table covering data removal, required media, recovery options, and suitable use cases.
| Feature | Reset This PC | Clean Install |
|---|---|---|
| Installation method | Windows recovery options | External installation media |
| USB required | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Data removal | Depends on selected reset option | Depends on partition choices |
| Partition control | Limited | Greater control |
| Best suited for | Reinstalling Windows on the current PC | Fresh setup or advanced disk configuration |
1. On the lower-left portion of your desktop, click the Windows search bar and type Reset this PC. Click it to open the recovery settings.
2. Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
3. Select Remove everything.
4. Then select Remove files and clean drive.
5. Lastly, click Reset. This will reformat the drive where you installed Windows 10 thus removing all files permanently. This will also reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10 using the digital license previously used making your Windows 10 automatically activated after installation. Your PC will restart multiple times during this process.
Reactivate Windows After Reinstallation
Install the same Windows edition that was previously activated. Connect to the internet and allow time for the activation service to recognize the device. If activation does not return, enter the valid key or run the activation troubleshooter while signed in to the account connected to the license.
Resetting your PC will give you a perfectly clean installation of Windows 10 with all previously saved files deleted and unrecoverable making it ideal if you are planning to sell your PC with an activated copy of Windows 10 or if you simply want to have a fresh, clean system. You can use this feature unlimited number of times! The entire process will take about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the speed of your PC.
What If the Hardware Has Changed?
A major hardware change can cause Windows to treat the computer as a different device. Use the activation troubleshooter and the connected Microsoft account where eligible. If the license cannot be reassigned, review its terms or contact Microsoft activation support rather than repeatedly attempting activation.
For a new PC that supports the latest version, compare Windows 11 Pro before buying another Windows 10 key.