This page is intended to help if you are loading / reloading Windows 10 and need to provide one or more product keys to software previously installed on the system.

//As of September 1, 2019, from [[https://www.engadget.com/|https://www.engadget.com/]]: To date, reinstalling Windows has meant using a local copy – either something already stored on your PC (and thus at risk of going bad) or something external. Soon, though, it might just be a matter of grabbing it online. On top of [[https://www.engadget.com/2019/08/30/microsoft-de-emphasizes-tablet-mode/|changing tablet mode]], the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build on the Fast ring [[https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/08/29/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-18970/#6itWRzuwZxcuZxvj.97|includes]] a "download Windows" option when you want to reset your PC. Much like the feature Macs have had for years, you can use your broadband connection to grab a fresh install from the cloud. You don't need a backup partition or a thumb drive to get back in business. [As of Sep 1, 2019]…this is pre-release software. //

So if you plan to install/re-install Windows 10, you might check the Microsoft Windows 10 page(s) to see if installing from the cloud a latest version of Windows 10 is available.

====== Product keys, lower price ======

Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office product keys, at discounted prices are often found on Ebay at discounted prices. An ebay search for "Windows 10 Pro Key" will lead to a lot of items.  Often it is best to go to the sellers web site.  Here are some links to todays finds.

[[https://www.onlinekey.store/|OnlineKey.store]] or [[https://originalkeystore.com/|Orignalkeystore.com]].  or [[https://devkeystore.com/product/microsoft-windows-11-professional-key-lifetime/|Devkeystore.com]] The prices are typically low and IF you use //**paypal**//  the risks, financial or security is similarly small. In the past I have often purchased a Windows 10 pro or 11 pro license for less that $8.00.

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Product Key & Detailed Internals Profile Tools: ====

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Specific to product keys:** [[https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html|https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html]]**

Detailed profile of installed software and hardware keys:** [[https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor|https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor]]**


==== Install Windows and Restore copy of Office: ====

(From Microsoft Answers page)

After reinstalling Windows 10, do the following:

Step 1 - Sign in to download Office

Go to** [[http://www.office.com|http://www.office.com]] **and if you're not already signed in, select Sign in.

Sign in with the account you associated with this version of Office. This account can be a Microsoft account, or work or school account.

Forgot your account details? See I forgot the account I use with Office.

[[https://support.office.com/en-us/article/i-forg|https://support.office.com/en-us/article/i-forg]]…

On the Office home page, do the following depending on your version of Office.

If you signed in with a Microsoft account, from the Office home page select Install Office > Install. (Office 365 subscribers should select Install again).

This begins the download of Office. Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the install.

If you have trouble reactivating:

please contact support and they will be able to investigate and determine whats the cause.

**[[https://support.office.com/en-us/home/chat|https://support.office.com/en-us/home/chat]]**

==== Clone (Backup / Restore) Windows-Based Hard Drive: ====

March 2023..  Another alternative...   Cloning a hard drive or backup alternatives are plentiful if you boot from a Sergei Strelec WinPE thumb drive.

Use MiniTool Shadow Maker, follow the directions -

**[[https://www.minitool.com/partition-manager/thanks-download.html?v=pw11-free.exe&r=partition-manager/|https://www.minitool.com/partition-manager/thanks-download.html?v=pw11-free.exe&r=partition-manager/]]**