Do I need windows product activation key if doing a new install on a blank drive with recovery drive from different computer.

My sisters hard drive died on her computer and I am going to replace it with a new SSD, I have only basic skills and am following a lot of online tutorials. I do know she has windows 10 and so do I. I made a windows recovery USB drive on my computer to use to reinstall windows onto her new blank drive. Do I need a product key from her dead hard drive to activate windows on the new instillation since it is a restore drive made from my computer? I will check her desktop for a sticker with a product code when I go over there but don't know what to do if it does not have a sticker and I am trying to get information in advance. She bought the computer 4-5 years ago (maybe) and it came with windows preinstalled on it.

Hello, this is Emily.

Since it came with the device, no, unless you change motherboard, you don't need a new product key.

In fact, the install will not even prompt you for product key as it should pick up the OEM license on the motherboard.
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Last updated December 6, 2024 Views 334 Applies to: