Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1 Free Upgrade

Introduction

The Free Upgrade Path expired on the 2nd of October 2015. With some trickery one could change the date and continue to activate Windows 10130 Insider Preview to use as a stepping stone to Windows 10 Pro. On the 26th of August 2016 Microsoft patched their Product Activation Servers. Consequently the Windows 10130 Insider Preview Path cannot be activated, terminating this Free Upgrade path.

Note: If you have already made your system a Windows 10 Pro Device using the Windows 10130 path it'll continue to work.

I am Still Running Windows Vista Are There Any Free Upgrade Paths to Windows 7 or Windows 10?

Systems sold within the first year of the release of Windows 7 had a Free Upgrade to Windows 7. These systems typically had a SMBIOS of 2.5. For these systems the OEM typically released a BIOS Update which updated the SLIC from 2.0 to 2.1 and this makes the system eligible for Windows 7 OEM System Locked Preinstallation. You can then install and activate Windows 7 32 Bit and generate a genuine ticket to activate a clean install of Windows 10 32 Bit. More details are about this are available Updating your BIOS in Windows Vista and Checking the SLIC Version. If the systems SLIC remains at 2.0 you can still install Windows 10 without a Product Key. This will leave your system unlicensed with it watermarked to the bottom right hand corner and you will be restricted when it comes to some settings but otherwise it is fully usable and more functional than Windows Vista. It will also be patched and be safer to use online.
See Windows OEM FAQs and Downloads for more details on clean installing Windows 10 Home 32 Bit (note when making media this system will be a Legacy System).

Running Windows 10 Unlicensed

For those running Windows Vista, on a system without a SLIC Version of 2.1, it is possible to download a Windows 10 .iso and install with a local account, without a Product Key. This will run Windows 10 unlicensed…

During setup select "I Don't Have a Product Key":

Then select the Edition of Windows you want to install (Windows 10 Home recommended):

During the Account setup, select "Offline Account":

Select "No" when asked to sign in with Microsoft:

Enter your username and then select next:

Enter your password and then select next or alternatively leave the password field blank and select next:

Decline Cortana:

Select No at Activity History (it likely won't work with Windows 10 Unlicensed):

Select "Don't use online speech recognition":

Select "No" for location:

Select "No" at find my Device:

Select Basic Diagnostics:

Select No to improve typing:

Select "No" for diagnostic data:

Select "No" for the Advertising ID:

When Windows 10 is unlicensed, you will get a watermark below settings:

Some of the personalisation settings will be greyed out but this is minor and the default user interface will still be superior to Windows Vista:

The bottom right hand corner of your Windows 10 will be watermarked:

Otherwise you will be able to install programs, have full Windows 10 functionality and updates. You can use Windows 10 unlicensed to evaluate the performance of Windows 10 on your hardware – Microsoft seem to have done away with the forced sign outs etc. for unlicensed software like they had for earlier Editions of Windows.

Running Windows 10 unlicensed is still better than running Windows Vista because you will still receive security patches and more programs are likely to work on your Operating System.

Running Windows 10 unlicensed will theoretically let you determine whether it is worth the cost of buying a new Windows 10 License for your hardware although for old Windows Vista hardware (most which is > 10 years old) I would recommend saving your cash up and buying newer hardware (with an associated Windows 10 OEM License).

Expired 10130 Insider Preview Upgrade Path

This guide reached 160,000 views before the 26th of August 2016… meaning a significant number of Windows Vista OEM machines were made Windows 10 Pro Devices using this route. This Unofficial Free Upgrade Path allowed new Windows 10 Pro Activations for a Period of 1 Year Unofficially aligning with Microsoft's initial official marketing for Free Upgrades from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

You will get the following error message:

"Error 0x80072F8F On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072F8F' to display the error text."

10130 End

You will not be able to register a Windows Vista or Windows XP system via the 10130 Insider Preview with a Microsoft Product Activation server to make it a new Windows 10 Pro Device without buying a key.

Contents

This guide has complimentary tutorial videos.

Introduction – Why Consider Upgrading?

This is a Dell based guide but will work on non-Dell systems also. The only differences are the keys [F2] and [F12] to enter the BIOS setup and opt for the one-time Boot menu may be different. You should also check for BIOS updates from your perspective OEMs website.

01 August 2016 OS Marketshare 1 in 100 computers run Windows Vista and 10 in 100 computers run Windows XP…

End of OS Support

  • 11 Apr 2017: Windows Vista reached End of Life and no security patches will be released since. See here for more details. Windows 10 performs significantly better than Windows Vista and is significantly more secure.
  • 08 Apr 2014: Windows XP reached End of Life (>2 years ago) and no security patches have been released since. See here for more details. Windows 10 performs significantly better than Windows XP if the hardware meets minimum requirements and is significantly more secure.

End of Browser Support

  • 12 Jan 2016: Support for all versions of Internet Explorer except for Internet Explorer 11. See here for more details.
  • 01 May 2016: Google have just dropped support for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

When Chrome is launched a yellow warning will display stating:

"This computer will no longer receive Google Chrome Updates because Windows XP and Windows Vista are no longer supported." Learn more.

Chrome Message

This means that the continued use of Google Chrome and these Operating Systems in general should be considered insecure. It hasn't happened currently however eventually websites may block out of date versions of Chrome and Internet Explorer 9.

This gives a primary security exploit…

Bank Robber

Needless to say don't use an unsupported browser (i.e. anything running on a Windows Vista or Windows XP Operating System) for:

  • Online Banking
  • Paypal
  • eBay
  • Amazon

etc. etc.

End of Driver Support

No new drivers will be created for new peripherals (e.g. that new printer) for these legacy Operating Systems.

The Unofficial Free Upgrade Path

Microsoft did not provide an Official Free Upgrade Path for Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1.

Disclaimer: This is an Unofficial Upgrade path and has no support from Dell or Microsoft. However any system shipped with Windows XP or Windows Vista won't have any official support anyway as the warranty has long expired… and both Operating Systems are more or less at End of Life.

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The Windows Insider Build 10130 was the last Windows Insider Build to utilise a generic product key for Microsoft Product Activation. With this build Microsoft let all Windows Insiders Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free. This upgrade path can be used to upgrade any legacy system that satisfies Windows 10's minimum system requirements. I focus primarily on systems shipped with Windows Vista OEM and secondary with systems shipped with Windows XP OEM. This guide can also be used on VMs as discussed here.

Microsoft may stop Activation of Windows 10130 Insider Preview at any point in time which would effectively shut down this unofficial upgrade path for good. In testing this Unofficial Upgrade path works 10 months after the expiry date of build 10130, moreover it works with RS1 installation media which was released 10 months after the expiry date on Windows 10 Insider Build 10130.

I have last tested this on the 10/08/2016 on a VM. I have made a YouTube recording on the 03/08/2016.

Before upgrading its recommended that your BIOS revision is up to date. This guide will result in Data loss so its recommended you back up all your data to an external hard drive. If you are sceptical about this upgrade path or unsure how well your legacy system will run Windows 10 make sure you've made an Macrium Reflect Backup so you can revert to Windows Vista.

Gathering Details about your System

Press [Windows] and [ r ] and type in msinfo32 and press [Enter]. Top images are for Windows XP and bottom Windows Vista.

msinfo32 xp a

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You will be told the following (I will give some notes below):

msinfo32 xp b

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As the Processor information for Windows XP is a bit cryptic you may also want to right click the start button and right click My Computer and select Properties:

system xp c

This will give you the model of your processor and installed physical memory (RAM):

system xp d

OS Name and Version

This doesn't matter too much in this guide as you are going to use the Windows 10130 Insider Preview as your base Windows OS. This will give you Windows 10 Pro as a Free Upgrade in all cases.

System Model and System Manufacturer

Its important to know both your system manufacturer and system model. This information may be required when checking to see if you need to update your system BIOS or in the rare cases need to look for drivers later. If commenting on a successful install please include this information.

SMBIOS version

Take a note of the SMBIOS version.

Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.3 (Early Windows XP) or earlier are not Windows Vista/7/8.x or 10 compatible. This likely includes yucky hardware such as a Pentium 4 or worse, DDR RAM or worse, a IDE HDD or worse and Intel 915GM graphics or worse. All which belong in a museum.

This guide mainly focuses on systems with an SMBIOS version of 2.4 (Early Windows Vista systems) or 2.5 (Late Windows Vista systems).

  • Earlier Windows Vista systems like the Latitude D820 shown may have a processor with a 32 Bit instruction set only. This systems processor was upgraded from an Intel T2600 which has a 32 Bit instruction set to an Intel T7200 which has a 64 Bit instruction set. 64 Bit Windows can only run on a processor with a 64 Bit instruction set but 32 Bit Windows can run on either. Hint if you have an Intel Processor search for the "Intel Ark Processor #" e.g. "Intel Ark T7200".
  • Late Windows Vista systems should all be Windows 10 64 Bit compatible.

Note for systems with an SMBIOS of 2.6 you likely have a Windows 7 OEM COA and can carry out the Official Upgrade Path unless the COA is faded. The OptiPlex 390 shown as an example is utilising OEM downgrades from Windows 7 Professional to Windows XP Professional.

This guide does not support systems with a UEFI BIOS (version 2.7 or later) which should have a Windows 8.x/10 UEFI BIOS OEM SLP key or Windows 7 OEM COA and be eligible for the Official Upgrade Path. These systems may also have newer hardware unsupported by the 10130 .iso. See Download a Windows 10 OEM and Retail .iso for the Official Upgrade Path.

BIOS Version

The BIOS should be updated to the latest version available before upgrading to Windows 10 as the BIOS updater may not run correctly on Windows 10. For convenience I will list the latest BIOS Update for all Dell systems (except Alienware) that were sold during the sales period of Windows Vista as well as the date of the system model. If using a non-Dell check with your system manufacturer's driver and downloads page.

Adamo Desktops

Dimension Desktops

Inspiron Desktops

Inspiron Laptops

Latitude Laptops

OptiPlex Desktops

Precision Desktops

Precision Laptops

Studio Desktops

Studio Laptops

Vostro Desktops

Vostro Laptops

XPS Desktops

XPS Laptops

Installing the Latest BIOS Update

The BIOS update is a firmware update. This type of update updates the firmware for your system BIOS. You launch the BIOS update within Windows but the computer restarts and updates the BIOS within BIOS. Therefore once a BIOS update is applied it remains applied even if Windows is reinstalled.

Note An incorrect BIOS update has the potential to kill your computer entirely.

Before updating the BIOS its advisable to make sure all programs are closed.

For Windows XP double click the BIOS Update. For Windows Vista right click the BIOS update and select run as an administrator.

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For Windows Vista you'll need to accept the User Account Control prompt:

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The BIOS update will then launch and tell you what revision you have and what revision the BIOS flash is.

If you are up to date or equal to the BIOS revision or its unsupported as in the case of my XPS 8300 it will tell you and will not allow you to flash only giving you the option to quit:

xps8300a

If its supported it will allow you to select continue:

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Click ok

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The computer will then restart and restart the BIOS update.

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DO NOT DISTURB THE COMPUTER DURING THIS TIME and certainly do not cut power. If you do then likely you will kill the computer entirely.

Once the computer loads into Windows some of the BIOS updates will re-launch automatically but then will tell you that you have the latest version already so just click cancel. You may then delete the BIOS update from the Desktop.

Some BIOS updates may require perquisite BIOS updates as mentioned. Try to update the BIOS in the least number of steps.

You can then recheck msinfo32 to see if the BIOS update has applied correctly:

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Additional Notes on Systems Shipped with Windows XP/Vista OEM Licenses

Officially there is no free upgrade from genuine Windows Vista or Windows XP to genuine Windows 10 so we will need to utilise the Unofficial Windows 10130 Upgrade path in all these cases.

Can My Hardware Run Windows 10?

All of the systems listed with SMBIOS 2.5 can run Windows 10 64 Bit without any issues providing enough RAM is installed (4 GB preferred) and the necessary processor technologies should be enabled by default you can proceed directly to Download Links and Prepaing a Windows 10 Bootable USB.

Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.4 may be limited by a processor with a 32 Bit set and thus stuck on Windows 10 32 Bit. Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.4 may need the PAE, NX or SSE2 settings enabled in the Legacy BIOS setup in order to install Windows 10. This will be discussed below.

If you aren't sure whether your legacy hardware with an SMBIOS of 2.4 running Windows XP/Vista is Windows 10 capable or whether you need to enable PAE, NX or SSE2 run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which is the last Upgrade Assistant than runs on XP and Vista. The system requirements are almost identical for 32 Bit Windows 8.1 and 32 Bit Windows 10. The Upgrade Assistant can be found here:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=75EFF52D7710B6E9!721&authkey=!AOhXrY_SIbN59Ac&ithint=folder%2cexe

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=321548 (Removed by Microsoft 16/03/2016 as Windows 8 is at End of Life)

Simply run the upgrade assistant:

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It will scan your computer to determine whether its compatible:

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Click see compatibility details:

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The compatibility details may show some of the following details to review:

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You are looking for it to state issues specifically about your hardware.

The 4 issues it lists in this case aren't significant:

  • Install an App to play a DVD. – No problem install VLC player after Windows 10 RS1 installation.
  • SecureBoot isn't compatible with your PC. – No problem Windows 10 can run in a legacy BIOS using the MBR partition scheme. It won't perform as well and will be less secure than a newer system with these technologies.
  • Sidebar Gadgets aren't supported. – No problem, few people use these and the Apps in the Windows 10 Store are far superior.
  • Your screen resolution isn't compatible with snap. – No problem the screen resolution for Windows 10 was lowered to support 800×600 as a minimum.

A fifth common problem that the tool often reports is that mandatory processor security technologies PAE, NX, and SSE2 aren't present or disabled in the BIOS setup. If you do not have an error message mentioning PAE, NX or SSE2 continue directly to Download Links and Prepaing a Windows 10 Bootable USB.

To Enter your Legacy BIOS setup. Power down your computer. Wait 10 seconds and power it up. Press [F2] at the Dell BIOS Screen. Other OEMs may use a different function key or [Esc].

1. Dell BIOS

This will take you to the BIOS setup. Your BIOS setup may look slightly different to mine but the procedure should be similar. Read the instructions at the bottom of the BIOS setup for instructions.

I will press the [↓] key until I get to Security:

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Then I will press [Enter] to expand the Security category:

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Now I am going to look for processor or CPU related Security fields. In my case I have the field CPU No-eXecute Support so I will highlight that field and press [Enter].

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Then I will make sure that CPU No-eXecute support is enabled:

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Then I will press [Esc] to Exit the BIOS setup:

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Then opt to Exit the BIOS setup.

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These may also be mapped to different keys, some BIOS will have [Esc] as the key to exit the BIOS setup discarding changes and the [F10] as the button to exit the BIOS setup but saving changes. As I said read the instructions on your screen to confirm.

If you have had to enable these security technologies boot into Windows XP or Windows Vista and rerun the upgrade advisor. Make sure it doesn't have the same error message about PAE, NX or SSE2.

Download Links and Preparing a Windows 10 Bootable USB

You will need 2×8 GB USB flash drives for this step.

On the first one you will need to prepare a Windows 10130 Bootable USB and on the second one you will need to prepare a Windows 10 RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) Bootable USB.

Because you are performing an upgrade install you cannot cross architectures. Use the 32 Bit 10130 .iso with the 32 Bit 14393 .iso alternatively the 64 Bit 10130 .iso with the 64 Bit 14393 .iso.

10130 Insider Preview .iso

As the Insider Preview has expired Microsoft have removed it from their server. 

The file sizes for the 10130 Insider Preview .iso were as follows:

10130 sizes

I recommend checking the CRC SHA. Once 7-zip is installed, simply right click the .iso and select CRC SHA and then select the *:

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This will give you the various checksums and they should match the checksums below.

If they are different you will have an incomplete/corrupt download.

10130 x8610130 x64

Windows 10 Version 1607 .iso

The Download Link for Windows 10 RS1 is here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

As Windows XP/Vista aren't supported with the Windows 10 Version 1607 Media Creation Tool Direct Links will be shown.

Once on this page scroll down:

Use of Techbench

Select Windows 10 as the Edition. Do not select Windows 10N or Windows 10 Home Single Language.

Wait for the .iso to Download.

Rufus

One will also need to Download Rufus to make the Bootable USBs:

Rufus does not need to be installed and can be run directly by double clicking on the application.

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If on Vista or later accept the User Account Control Prompt:

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Don't bother checking for updates as you likely already have the latest version:

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Load the .iso:

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For the 1st USB select the 10130 .iso. When you repeat the procedure for the 2nd USB select the RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) .iso.

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Ensure your USB is shown here:

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Since its assumed you're using a computer shipped with Late Windows XP, Windows Vista or Early Windows 7 you won't have a UEFI BIOS. Ensure you are using the MBR partition scheme for (Legacy) BIOS.

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Ensure the MBR Partition Scheme for BIOS or UEFI_CSM is selected and the File System is NTFS.

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Select Ok:

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Wait for Rufus to make the Bootable USB. When it says Ready close Rufus.

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Repeat this procedure with your second USB flash Drive and the RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) .iso.

Changing the Time in your BIOS Setup

Power down your computer. Wait 10 seconds and power it up. Press [F2] at the Dell BIOS Screen. Other OEMs may use a different function key or [Esc].

1. Dell BIOS

This will take you to the BIOS setup. Your BIOS setup may look slightly different to mine but the procedure should be similar. Read the instructions at the bottom of the BIOS setup for instructions.

"I set a date with an Yankee lassie on the 10/02 (10th of February) and she arrived late on the 10/02 (2nd of October)."

I have deliberately set the date for the 09/09/2015 (9th of September) – this way there is no confusion between British and American date/time formats.

I will press the [↓] key until I get to Data/Time:

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Then I will press [Enter] to enter the field:

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I will then press [→] until I get to the month.

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I will press the [↓] key until I get to September.  I will press the [→] key until I get to the year and press the [↓] key until I get to 2015.

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Then I will press [Enter] to finish modifying the date:

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The time in my BIOS setup is now September 2015.

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I will now press [Esc] to exit the setup.

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Before exiting I will insert my Windows 10130 Insider Bootable USB into one of the free USB ports. I will make sure all other USB ports are empty with the exception of mouse and keyboard. If you have an Ethernet cable plugged into your system also ensure that you remove it.

Then I will press  [→] to get to Exit and then press [Enter].

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Note for some BIOS setups you will get the option to Exit Discarding Changes or Exit saving changes.

These may also be mapped to different keys, some BIOS will have [Esc] as the key to exit the BIOS setup discarding changes and the [F10] as the button to exit the BIOS setup but saving changes. As I said read the instructions on your screen to confirm.

When you exit the Dell BIOS setup you will see the Dell BIOS screen again. Ensure you hit F12 to get to the Boot Menu:

1

Press the [↓] until you highlight the USB Storage Device and then press [Enter].

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Press any key when prompted such as “h” when it says Press any Key to boot from CD/DVD.

Clean Install Build 10130

0

Select your language and keyboard settings (if using the .iso from the unofficial location, you will need to select English (United States) as the Language as this .iso is locked to that language. The time and currency format and keyboard or input method can be set to your desired preference however. I have selected English (United Kingdom). When you have selected your preferences select next:

1

Select Install now:

2

3

Accept the license agreement:

4

As always select custom (advanced):

5

This is the screen you can load SATA drivers on as normal however this installation media is from 2015 and should accommodate the hardware of all Windows Vista systems.

I advise selecting drive options and deleting everything on the drive so it only Disc 0 Unallocated Space (assuming you only have one drive installed) as shown below.

Drive Deletion1

Then select Drive 0 and select next:

6

Windows 10130 will then install:

10130Install

The computer will restart.

You will be given the setup options. Windows 10130 will try and instruct you to connect wireless to the internet (if you have a wireless card).

DO NOT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET AT THIS STAGE

If you connect to the internet, Windows 10130 will automatically sync its time/date settings with the Windows server and inform you that the build has expired. You will no longer be able to activate this build if this happens (and have to change the date in the BIOS setup and clean install 10130 offline again).

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You will be given setup options select express settings, theres no point in customising these settings as this is just an intermediate install which you will use directly to get to Windows 10RS1 (Build 14393/Version 1607):

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In the next screen input your username and select Next. I wouldn't even bother inputting a password at this stage:

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The rest of the setup will be automated:

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You will now be on the 10130 Desktop to the bottom right, click the clock:

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Click change date and time settings:

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Select time and language:

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Turn set time automatically off:

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To input the generic product key, right click the start button and select Command Prompt (Admin):

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Accept the User Account Control prompt:

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Type in

slmgr /ipk 6P99N-YF42M-TPGBG-9VMJP-YKHCF

Then press [Enter]

10130

The dialogue box will come up telling you the product key is installed successfully. Press ok:

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Now connect to your wireless network or connect your Ethernet cable.

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Wait 5 minutes….

Type in

slmgr /ato

Press [Enter]:

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You will be informed that Windows is activated:

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If you get the following error message you have not connected to the Internet or have been too fast. Wait another minute and retype

slmgr /ato:

15

If you get this error message however you have been online and Windows 10130 know you have went past the expiry date so you need to retry all the steps from the start of this guide.

10130 expired5

Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro RS1

Insert the Windows 10 Version 1607 Bootable USB. Open the USB from within Windows Explorer:

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Double click the setup:

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Select yes at the User Account Control prompt:

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The Windows setup will load and prepare:

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On the following screen ensure you select Not at this Moment and uncheck "I want to help make installation of Windows Better". Checking for Updates on the expired 10130 build may stall the installation. Then select next:

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Accept the license agreement:

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If you are changing language select ok here:

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Select Change what to keep:

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Select Nothing. This will give you a clean Windows 10 RS1 Install:

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Windows 14393 RS1 will then restart and begin the upgrade during which it will restart another three times:

RS1Upgrade

If you are connected to an ethernet or offline the next few screens won’t show. Select your wireless network:

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Input your wireless password and select next:

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Select customise settings and press “next” once you’ve made your desired selection on each page or use the express settings:

RS1 Settings1 (1)RS1 Settings1 (2)RS1 Settings1 (3)RS1 Settings1 (4)RS1 Settings1 (6)RS1 Settings1 (7)

Next select “I own it” for a home PC or “My organisation” for a work PC:

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For “I Own It” sign in with a Microsoft Account (recommended by Microsoft so you can use all of Microsoft’s services in particular OneDrive).

Alternatively skip this step and sign in with a local account. A Local Account can later be converted to a Microsoft Account if desired:

RS1 Settings1 (9)

The PC will configure the last stages and install Apps (which now work as Windows):

RS1 Settingsa (1)RS1 Settingsa (3)

RS1 Settingsa (2)

You can the opt to use Cortana or not:

RS1 Settings1 (10)

vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m40s170vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m45s109vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h30m02s175

You should now be in the Windows 10 Desktop:

RS1 Desktop

The date will be correct but the exact time might not be. You can go to date/time settings and correct it to match the actual time.

Wait 10 minutes and then right click the start button and select System:

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m30s543

You should see that Windows is Activated and the Edition is Windows 10 Pro:

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m46s486

If you have checked too early it may state to connect to the internet to activate. Leave it another 5-10 minutes. Restart your computer and recheck if its activated. In all my test cases it was.

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m57s850

Now your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device. It won't have a product key but its hardware profile is stored and registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server.

You don't need to but you can clean install Windows 10 Pro at any time by skipping product key and it'll automatically reactive your Device when online…

For more details about clean installation and the definition of the Windows 10 Pro Device and the product activation mechanism see Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail RS1 .iso. During installation skip product key and select Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro will automatically reactivate on your system as it is a Windows 10 Pro Device. Feel free to use a Microsoft Account.

484 thoughts on “Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1 Free Upgrade

  1. I did this Installation-Guide on my good old Dell Latitude D620 and it works absolutely perfect 🙂 Thanks to the one who made this tutorial 😉

      1. This tutorial perfectly work! Thank you so much 😉

      2. philipyip, I have a Vista Home Premium 32-bit… Can you choose to upgrade to a 64-bitor do you have to stick to the 32-bit? Thanks

      3. It depends on your model and processor. If it is 64 bit compatible then install the 64 Bit version.

  2. I purchased laptop (dell xps 15z@L115z) with windows 7 home premium 64bit SP 1 installed in laptop.My hard disk crashed and i replace new hardisk.I have to re-install windows 7 home premium 6bit SP 1 on my new hard disk.I also have a geniune product key but dont have installation disc or windows iso file.Posibble to get installation disc or windows iso file since windows close digitalriver to download iso file and make bootable disc.
    Question:can i install windows 10 and windows 10 always active on my laptop with this method(article) by philip yip..?

    1. This method works and has been tested, see the tutorial video. You just need the 10130 .iso.

      At this stage however its get the Windows 7 .iso in an unofficial location (due to the broken Microsoft Software Recovery Tool) or get the 10130 .iso in an unofficial location (since Microsoft removed it).

      Installation from 10130 will be quicker and give you Windows 10 Pro opposed to Windows 10 Home.

      1. DONE…now my device xps15z(L115z) running windows 101013.This tutorial perfectly work,great solution…..Thank you so much.
        Question:
        1. Windows 10 1013 – windows 10 10240 – windows 10 pro.
        2. Windows 10 1013 – windows 10 pro.
        Can i use method no.2 to upgrade windows 10.Skip install windows 1010240 and direct instal windows 10 with iso bootable.

      2. Windows 10 Pro = Windows 10240 Pro

        i.e. just install Windows 10 Pro now (as an upgrade initially).

  3. Thanks for the input.
    I have a Dell Latitude E5500 and everything is perfect!
    but at times does not go the Start button, APP STORE does not work, and various applications such as the time, the mail and other not work more.
    Is this normal?
    once you install the 10130 version, should I install the Pro version 10240 to make things work?

  4. Hi Phillip, I have a situation and hoping you might able to help. I have a E6410 and I successfully installed and activated Windows 10 10130. I was able to download Windows 10 .10240 and everything was fine after the laptop reboot after copying files (the percentage display with a circle ). The laptop reboot and went into "attempt repair" but failed. It give error message the drive is locked and I need to unlock. I try other options going to to CMD; do diskpart, list volume and it show the SSD Drive Volume D is RAW and when I try to do d:\ it said drive have no file systems. It appears after copying files either the files corrupted or something. Any ideas? Your help is greatly appreciated.

  5. Hi Philip,
    Thanks for creating this guide. I followed it all the way through but ran into an activation issue. I installed build 10130, using a MSA, activated using the generic key, and upgraded to build 10240. Windows at that point was activated.

    Since then, I clean installed build 10240 using an ISO created from the Media Creator Tool from Microsoft. This time I used a local account (not MSA). However, Windows does not automatically activate for some reason. It also indicates the key currently in use is the one ending in 3V66T. I'm not sure why this is happening as it should recognise the hardware and automatically activate.

    Any help would be much appreciated.

    1. I'm not sure leave it alone for a couple of hours and see if it automatically reactivates… I guess the activation servers are having some difficulties at the moment.

      1. I guess that's all I can really do. Still, a bit weird it activated when I upgraded but it's not having issues. I would've thought MS activation servers would have enough reserve capacity by now considering we are now on day 8 of release. Also, it gives me a specific error code so I believe this install will never activate on its own. It's been 24 hours since I installed so I'll give it another 24 hours or so.

  6. thanks for this guide. I have upgraded 2 dell notebooks this way.

    1 question though:
    Because I prepare older notebooks for people that need a computer but do not have money enough to buy one, I will be doing this again in the future I assume. Therefore I woulde like to have a usb drive with two partitions: the first with the latest insider build (10130) and bootabel to install this build. On the second partition the windows 10 10240 RTM to upgrade the insider build.
    would this be possible with rufus? creating a dual partition usb drive would be possible with RMPrepUSB (makes the usb drive is not a removable device but is "seen" as a normal harddrive)but I am wondering if Rufus will keep the tiny partition that is needed to make the computer see the usb drive as a normal harddrive instead of a removable drive.

    1. Bare in mind this upgrade path will expire near the beginning of October and no I don't know a way, I would advise just making 2 bootable USBs and labelling them accordingly…

    1. It worked for me … in September. I just did it!!! Mac Pro, 1,1, and my method I entered but may not have been approved to show up. I installed a random activated OEM Win 7 disk, installed a fresh 10130 beta… then made sure it was using a M$ account. The next upgrade to RTM was done keeping old settings. The beta and the RTM both activated. It's running right now!!!

  7. when i try on a mac, the 10130 installed and activated fine.
    but when i tried to update to windows 10 final, it asked for key during the installation stage…with no option to skip. The Back and Next button both grayed out.

      1. yeah…i created a microsoft account and made sure i logged in.

  8. They seem to have closed this loophole. Now you can go from 10130 and upgrade install RTM and that works fine and activates. But when you go to clean install RTM it won't activate and says my product key ends in 3V66T, same as Peter.

  9. hello, after this you get a win 10 pro key?
    And why you need xp / vista?

    thanks

    1. No need for XP or Vista and theres no keys for the free upgrade, your devices hardware profile is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server as explained.

      Upon reinstallation skip any prompts for Product Keys and your devices hardware profile will automatically be resubmitted and Windows 10 Pro will automatically reactivate.

  10. I have a valid copy of Win 7 pro on mt Dell E1705. I did sign up for the upgrade but got a message saying My laptop cannot be upgraded to Win 10 because Dell has not made the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 display compatible with windows 10. How can I get around this? i am stuck with my win 7 pro and cant get the upgrade because of the stupid ATI Mobility Radian X1400. Dell wont create a compatible display driver. Help please

    My other laptop same e1705 had win XP and it upgrade to Win 10 using the method above – 10130. All I need now is to run the 10240 and get Win 10 pro. The computer with XP uses a different Display driver than the Radian X1400.

    1. Not sure not tried the X1400. Have you tried just updating from the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and ignoring the get Windows 10 App.

      1. You are misunderstanding me. The issue I am having is not with upgrading from XP/Vista. I was scheduled to receive the win 10 upgrade for my other computer running a genuine copy of Win 7 Pro. I got the notification that my computer could not get Win 10 upgrade because of the incompatible ATI Radian X1400 Display. I cant find an update from Dell for it.

      2. Here is my other issue with the computer running Win XP Pro SP3. I got the download Win 10 – 10130 and activation yesterday and everything fine. This morning I tried to upgrade using the Win 10 Pro-10240. I will use the USB method because I burned the ISO to DVD and it wont recognize the DVD. However this morning the activation is still OK but its saying i am using an evaluation copy 10130. Is that normal because I thought I was upgrading from Win XP to Win 10.

  11. hello, i mean the key after the clan installation.
    they must be a WIN 10 key in the registry. is this the same key they you post in your manual or is this a new one?

    1. Key finders will find a generic product key which is essentially useless for the end user as it cannot be used for manual activation. It will be different from the generic 10130 key. They are mentioned here: http://winaero.com/blog/generic-key-to-install-windows-10-rtm/

      I do not mention them in my guides because they are useless and also mentioning them will result in more end-user confusion and more product activation issues

  12. Derek Robson, this is not a Dell issue, but an OEM supplier issue. The problem is that both of the upgraded video card providers, ATI and nVidia, opted at the last minute to not certify a Windows 10 driver for the "premium" video cards that we paid for when we bought our systems. Obviously the "Insider Builds" contained drivers that would work, leading to Microsoft's presumption that these machines would indeed be upgradeable to Windows 10, but the OEMs then declined to certify those same drivers to support what they considered to be "legacy" cards in the Windows 10 RTM version, even though we paid a premium for those same cards back when the systems were purchased, and the "Get Windows 10" app had to renege on our upgrades at the last minute as a consequence. The irony is, of course, that had we settled for the standard "integrated" video system back then, we'd have Windows 10 on our older machines now.

    I've found reports online that, at least in the case of the E1705 with an nVidia Ge Force Go 7900 GS card, like I have, the 64-bit Media Creation Tool version of Windows 10 will install an unsatisfactory 4:3 aspect ratio generic video driver and complete the installation, but that an old Ge Force 7-Series reference driver can subsequently be installed to replace it, resulting in an entirely satisfactory Win 10 environment. In my experience, though, since I have one of the last E1705s with only a 32-bit capable processor, the 32-bit MCT installer will fail at just after the 50% mark (53% on the first attempt, 51% on the second), apparently at the video driver installation point.

  13. Thanks for the info. My other E1705 with 32 bit system but 1.66Mhz processor had a regular Intel R family driver and it had the Win XP Pro. Its now upgraded and activated to Win 10 Pro. Thanks for sharing your method. I was going to use the Media Creation Tool with the other E1705 that has the API Radeon X1400 driver, That is the 2,16MHz processor with the Win 7 Pro genuine and activated. This is the one I really wanted to be upgraded. for now I have to be satisfied with the one that completed the upgrade and hope a solution is reached. I may backup or clone the drive and try to see if using the Media Creation Tool will work. Thanks for the feedback.

    1. Try a Clean Install of Windows 10130 and the upgrade from 10130 to Windows 10 10240 (Pro) it may be more successful that the upgrade from 7 to Windows 10 (10240).

      1. I have four computers and I have two successfully got the win 10 pro upgrade. Is there a limit on upgrades?
        My next question is.
        On one of the upgrades I now have a problem with the start screen. When i hit the start key the start screen used to come across the screen and I could use One Note and the weather app and other apps. After the computer was updated with windows updates when I hit the start button the start menu comes up and not the start screen. Tried several things to get it back but no luck. I am wondering if this is a common issue. Cant find a solution. Computer is OK and still activated

  14. Why does the language have to be English (United States) if the .iso is from an unofficial location?

    1. Because the unofficial location only lists the US English .iso and it has no other options…

      As mentioned it is an intermediate step, you can download the proper language during the Clean Reinstall of Windows 10 Pro.

  15. I am getting an error while trying to use Rufus. Copying ISO files Error: ISO image extraction failure. What is problem?

    1. First of all the .iso is not saved onto the USB but locally on the computers HDD or SSD? I didn't think anyone would but someone reported that error and they had the .iso on the USB that they were trying to format…. I wasted quite a bit of time trying to help them so will mention that as a first check.

      The .iso is likely an incomplete download so try downloading it again or try using a new 8 GB USB flash drive.

  16. Understood. from desktop to rufus. using a kingston 16gb usb. will try to download iso again. is there another site? log shows failure as:
    Disc image is an UDF image
    Extracting: J:\autorun.inf (43 bytes)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bcd (256 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\boot.sdi (3 MB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bootfix.bin (1 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bootsect.exe (94.0 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\en-us\bootsect.exe.mui (16.5 KB)
    Error reading UDF file /boot/en-us/bootsect.exe.mui
    Could not open GUID volume '\\?\Volume{706fadda-71e2-11e1-880e-000000000000}': [0x00000005] Access is denied.

  17. Hi, the product key does not work for 32 bit clean installation.of the 10130 build. Can you advise?

      1. Thanks much. I am going to try again reinstalling the 10130 build 32bit version.

  18. i tried your steps on my inspiron.
    -installed 10130
    -activated using generic key
    -logged in using ms account
    -install 10240 by running setup from desktop

    BUT……the windows setup is asking for product key!!! and there is no option to skip. Only back and next button but both greyed out.

    any advise?

    1. Did you download a .iso and make a bootable USB, if so did you download the Pro .iso?

      Launch the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on the Windows 10130 Desktop.

      1. oops look like i downloaded the home version. pro version work and activated fine.

        unfortunately speaker has no sound even though the drivers all show as working fine.

        sounds work thru headphones tho.

        any help on this?

  19. Great video and tutorial. You are much appreciated. I was wondering is this for Dell pc's only? I've tried this on 2 Toshiba laptops. a U305, c2d-2.0ghz,4gb ram, and a A105-c2d,2.0ghz,2gb ram. Both have vista 32bt. I've dnld both win10 files on 3 laptops, burned the file from each laptop,(both 32 and x64 version) also on a sony dvdrw, and hp dvdrw, also on 2 different 8gb usb flash drives per your instructions(yes, I tried it a total of 10 times now in 2 days) and everytime I try to boot with disc or usb(changed boot options correctly) the win10 logo comes up, hdd led on both laptops blinks like its loadiing for about 5 mins then then both laptops reboot in and do the same thing over and over in a loop and win10 never installs. Any ideas. There is no way that 2 dvdrw discs and 2 8gb flash drives are all bad. BTW the 3rd laptop I used to download and burn the iso files, has win 10 pro on it already.

    1. Oh and I tried this with the win 10 10122 version and it installed fine. So why doesn't the 10130 version install?

      1. Does the 32 Bit disk boot in the laptop that already has Windows 10?

        What happens if you run the 10130 as an update in the Windows 10122 desktop?

        Do these systems have the latest BIOS installed?

        What size are the .iso files you downloaded?

        This guide should work in non-Dells.

  20. Thanx for your reply. I found out my flash drives are a problem. They are older Sandisk Cruzer flash drives which cannot be used as a boot drive(which explains why I got a 3 pack 8gb of them for only $16+ freeship a couple years ago), and the dvd drive in my U305 is going bad(I burned the disc in this drive 2x). I'll run diag on A105 dvd drive to ensure it's ok
    Yes all bios updated to latest versions,
    3,819,754 kb for win10 x64, 2,816,192 kb win10 x86.
    Never tried to run 10130 as an update in 10122, I'll try that next.
    My 2 win10 and 1 win7 laptops all 3 will boot with the cd I burned and the A105 will boot with 10122 32bit but not 10130 32 or 64 versions. I'll check if there's a firmware update for the drive in the A105 and see if that helps. I'll post back my results.

  21. I want to correct you a bit on this one, the activation you get by this method is not the same as upgrading from Windows 7 / 8.1 followed by clean install. Yes, your hardware hash is registered as genuine Windows 10 hence you'll retain activation on clean installs but you are on the Insider channel, so you'll remain activated as long as you keep on upgrading to newer builds. Even though non insiders too cant defer updates indefinitely and will be forced upgraded when you connect to the internet, however, in a scenario where you don't connect to the net or use the metered connection trick to avoid updates, non insiders can keep using their PC indefinitely without updating to newer builds while in case you upgraded to RTM via this method your build will be ultimately time bombed and you'll need to update to continue. Not a big deal though as in normal circumstances you'll never be without net for that long to get time-bombed.

    1. Actually you aren't on the Insider Preview, if you Clean Install Windows 10 Pro on the device. Look at the Windows Update settings. Get Insider Builds is not enabled.

      1. What does slmgr -xpr give? Could you try increasing the system date by a couple of years to 2017 and report if it nags for any update or is time-bombed? I just wanna be sure before i take the plunge. Thanx.

  22. I have four computers and I have two successfully got the win 10 pro upgrade. Is there a limit on upgrades?
    My next question is.
    On one of the upgrades I now have a problem with the start screen. When i hit the start key the start screen used to come across the screen and I could use One Note and the weather app and other apps. After the computer was updated with windows updates when I hit the start button the start menu comes up and not the start screen. Tried several things to get it back but no luck. I am wondering if this is a common issue. Cant find a solution. Computer is OK and still activated

  23. One Inspiron E1705 and HP G72 259WM already done.
    The other Inspiron with the Radeon X1400 display driver may not be able to be upgraded. We spoke about that one before.
    The last one is the Dell Studio 1737 64 Bit with Win 7 Pro. This is my next project and I will start from scratch with the 10130 clean install. This should work.
    My main issue now is getting my start screen back when I hit the start button on the HP laptop. Only the start menu pops up on the screen. The start screen with the various aps used to pop up but not anymore.

    1. Theres no point in using the 10130 for the Studio 1737, you can upgrade directly from its Windows 7 Pro license.

      Start Menu > Settings > Personalise > Start (on the menu in the left near the bottom) > Enable Full Start

  24. Hi Philip, have you run across some XP machines built in 2003 that after 10130 scanned the system and would not boot further?

    1. The earliest I've tried is 2006 Latitudes with Intel 945GM graphics. Even for Desktops 2003 hardware is pushing it and I don't expect much success. What are the make/models of your systems?

      1. It was a Sony desktop model RS7xx built in late 2004 early 2005 with American Megatrend motherboard and a AMD/ATI 3xxx graphic card. It is funny 10130 recognised the RB series desktop with the same processor configurations and a slightly different motherboard. whilst for the RS series, 10130 refused to boot. I was wondering that might be a way to get around. Perhaps you know?

      2. Not that I know of… I've not tried anything that old. If the system is critical for you my advice would be to get a second hand OptiPlex 760 or 780 from eBay… These are really cheap now (~£40) and even the base configurations will be significantly superior to that Sony Desktop.

  25. @philipyip
    Thanks for the instructions, I have a few corrections (enhancements) discovered after performing this several times on various computers.
    A) A Microsoft Account is not required at any point, After the 10130 install I usually log in with a temporary local account. After the 10240 (RTM) install I again login with a local account. Activates with no problems.
    B) No need to retain any accounts/apps/data on the upgrade from 10130 to 10240.
    C) After the upgrade from 10130 to 10240, Windows is only activated after a login (local or microsoft account). Entering audit mode (CTRL+SHIFT+F3) before first login will show the computer as not activated.
    D) Older systems will tend to get a generic display driver (Microsoft Basic Display Adapter) that may not recognize the full resolution of the display. To correct this go to Microsoft Update Catalog (https://catalog.update.microsoft.com) and search using the VEN (vendor) and DEV (device) string for the device which can be obtained by looking at the properties of the device under device manager (e.g. \VEN_8086&DEV_0166). Download the latest available driver for the device (likely for a previous OS) checking to make sure you have the correct bit version (32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64). The driver will be provided as a CAB file which can be extracted using 7zip. Use the extracted files to update the driver for the device.
    The same method can be used for other devices that were not recognized by Windows 10 (e.g. network, audio etc.). This method (as opposed to obtaining drivers from device manufacturers) has the advantage that the drivers will survive a Windows 10 reset, presumably because they are Microsoft signed drivers.

    1. A-C I'm sure I had activation issues without the Microsoft Account or perhaps this was only getting 10240 (earlier) via Windows Update (before the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool was released).

      D The Microsoft Update Catalog is a Windows Update Source. If you leave the system alone for half an hour or so Windows update should automatically obtain and update these same drivers. For this reason I didn't mention the additional steps you mentioned. Also due to the complications of Edge being incompatible with the Windows update Catalog and prompting to use Internet Explorer. I do have this guide:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/checking-hardware-ids-in-the-device-manager/
      And this guide:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/downloading-drivers-checking-hardware-ids-and-downloading-and-installing-dell-system-drivers-in-the-correct-order/the-microsoft-update-catalog/
      The second one using the Microsoft Update Catalog isn't very popular however.

      1. I had some old Dell Latitude D810s and D820s. W10 didn't catch the display drivers even after it claimed the system was up to date. Finding the drivers in the Microsoft Update Catalog resolved the issue. I don't think W10 installed them automatically as they were listed for earlier gen operating systems.

      2. Not sure about the Latitude D810 especially if it has the Intel variant (which should be incompatible with Windows 8.1/10) but I know for the Latitude D820 the Intel Video automatically updated but I had to leave the system online and idle for 30 minutes or so.

    1. Unfortunately I can't Microsoft removed the direct download links and thats the only reliable unofficial source I've found.

  26. Your reply "Start Menu > Settings > Personalise > Start (on the menu in the left near the bottom) > Enable Full Start"
    That was the first thing I tried and no luck. I even checked the other computer that is still showing the start screen and it has it turned off yet when you hit the start button the screen is displayed. I don't know why the 64 bit version stopped showing the start screen. The menu it shows has a modern app drop down arrow when you open it it shows all the apps that are normally on the start screen. It just not displaying the screen. To get those functions its takes more steps taking away the convenience and productivity. Wish I could fix it.

  27. Hi,
    I follow your instructions and all seems OK. But also new activation key is same as microsoft's temporary key. Like; VK7JG-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-3V66T

    Is this a problem ?

    1. The activation mechanism is device based for all the systems upgraded from Windows 7, 8.1 and 10130. There is no product key for the Windows 10 Upgrade. Key finder programs will give you the generic key.

  28. I am getting kicked out from entering Microsoft catalog update. Warning is this site is Un-trusted. i ignored it but still getting kicked-out.

  29. OH! I was using Firefox changed to IE and its fine. Thank you.
    My next question question may have been answered but I didn't see anyone asked it. Now that I have three of my four laptops with Windows 10 Pro, do i still have to use Microsoft login every time I use the computers? Can i change for a new login password? What about using a PIN number?

  30. Just downloaded the 10130 iso build from getintopc and the 32 bit file size is significantly larger than what is published here: 2,883,780 KB according to my machine vs the 2,816,192 KB published on this page.

      1. Worked anyway. Just installed 10130 on an unused comp to be cautious and switched right over to the full version.

        Thanks for all your work on this.

  31. I have Dell inspiron 6400 with XP, can I install Win 10 following the given tutorial? I am not sure it will work on my dell since I was not able to upgrade to Win 7 recently because the bootable drive can not change from c: although change has been made thru F2 and F12.

    1. What do you mean? That system can boot from a USB without any issues.

      I have had one of them running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 without any issues.

      Do you have BIOS revision A17?

  32. I suppose it is not 64-bit compatible, In advanced system information it says "computer based on X86" or something similar (I´m translating from spanish) and in the main system page "System: 32-bit operating system". What do you think?
    I have a Dell XPS M1730 laptop, Windows Vista Home Premium v.6.0.6002 SP2, 32-bit
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9500 @ 2.60 GHz 2.60 GHz, Memory (RAM): 4GB
    NVIDIA Geforce 9800M GTX (1GB), NVIDIA Geforce 9800M GTX (1GB)

    Do you think it will work fine with Windows 10 Pro? 32-bit if, from the information above, it is confirmed that it is not compatible with 64-bit.
    Could you please advice me?
    Thank you,

    1. Sorry, I forgot to mention the HD total capacity in C:\ 285 GB and Recovery D:\ 9.99 GB.

    2. It is 64 Bit compatible:
      http://ark.intel.com/products/33918/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-T9500-6M-Cache-2_60-GHz-800-MHz-FSB
      However you could do with installing more RAM.

      It may be harder to setup a system with a NVIDIA card than a system with Intel onboard graphics:
      http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3710/~/which-nvidia-gpus-are-supported-in-windows-10%3F

      There has been numerous problems with NVIDIA hardware but I think Windows Update is likely to get the graphics driver for that system automatically. In any case make sure you have a backup before proceeding:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/backing-up-your-windows-installation-using-acronis/

    3. any luck? i have same laptop .. i want to upgrade vista but not sure what to upgrade it to
      thanks

  33. Do I have to do anything to change it to 64-bit or if I install the 64-bit it will be changed automatically?
    Thank you

  34. Hi, I'm a bit confused here. After I done 10130 and upgraded to 10240, can I use the Recovery Drive to install the OS on another Hard Disk? or I need to do the path from 10130 to 10240 again?

    When I use the Recovery to reinstall, will it wipe my whole disk or can I choose to only wipe my OS partition? assuming I have C: (OS) and D: (data).

    What happens if I change my motherboard/swap out my CPU, will I need to reinstall again (using the same 10130 to 10240 path?)

    Also will this installation let me choose 32bit/64bit? as I plan to use 32bit for an older system while my new PC uses 64bit.

    Thanks.

      1. So should I use this guide http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/ or the 10130 to 10240 path for another new Device?

        Can I use a disk image clone to restore the OS partition with it in the future? as I want to save the OS image with all drivers and necessary apps installed.

        Also is there no way to download the files for “Upgrade this PC Now” offline to avoid using bandwidth on another Device? cant pause or resume too it seems..

  35. Clean 10130, register, download 10pro iso, inlaceupdate from desktop (!) Top!

  36. Helle Philip,

    First off thanks for the guide, i got to the point where I activated the key. But now it says I have installed a Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview and windows is not yet activated.

  37. read through this guide but could not find answer. should this work on a Lenovo ideapad y410p? I have both the 10130 and 10240 iso and they installed fine on a hp9600. But when I boot from the 10130 iso usb the Lenovo shows the windows icon with the spinning motion but after about a minute the screen goes dark and nothing.

  38. hello Philip,
    read through this guide but could not find answer. should this work on a Lenovo ideapad y410p? I have both the 10130 and 10240 iso and they installed fine on a hp9600. But when I boot from the 10130 iso usb the Lenovo shows the windows icon with the spinning motion but after about a minute the screen goes dark and nothing.

  39. thanks for the reply,
    only bios updates I could find were for later editions of windows and not Vista. strange thing is that the 10240 iso would boot from usb (understand I need 10130 as initial) and both were format the same by Rufus. Could it be a bios setting to start boot in legacy mode? maybe I should try to redo the 10130 iso?

  40. Hi. Tried today to install build 10130 it says that the version is already expired asking me to download the latest version. In other words i can no longer activate the beta. How this is possible?

    1. Thanks for letting me know, I suspected this would happen soon. Activation via the command prompt still works however and the guide is updated.

      1. Good to know that prompt activation works. Anyway, it seems that MS marks the copy as expired by applying some update when you connect to the internet. I've managed to solve the problem following these steps:

        1. At the 1st win startup, do not connect to internet and keep wi-fi off
        2. During the installation procedure, set up a local account
        3. Go to System and start the activation procedure. Type the generic key, go ahead but stop on the last step, when you should click Next the last time.
        4. Connect to the wifi
        5. Suddenly click "Next": build 10130 should activate correctly

        Now, before to upgrade to 10240, be sure to change the user account and login with a valid MS account (@outlook, etc…). I did not try to update from a local account, but i didn't want to risk.

        Download the Media Creation Tool and upgrade.

        At the end of the procedure, you can make a clean install with any WIN 10 Pro image, without the need of a key, by just skipping any request: the pc hardware profile is listed on MS Servers and the clean installation will be activated seamlessy. At this point, you don't need to keep a MS account, as it works even by just setting up a Local account.

      2. It worked for me with the normal install of 10130 with a local account. Then I carried out product activation via the command prompt. Then I began the install from the .iso (in a VM, a Bootable USB in actual hardware) and it installed and activated without any issues.

  41. Hello, thank you for this guide, when I tried to run "slmgr /ato" I received the "Error: 0x80072EE7 On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072EE7' to display the error text", do you know how it can be solved since I can activate It? Thanks

    1. You are on the Windows Insider Preview 10130? What does it say in System? Did you manage to input the product key?

      1. Hello, yes I have installed the 10130 build downloaded fromunoficial location, followed the steps and have been able to input the key, after this I have tried to activate it with slmgr /ato but the error described above shows up, I am trying this on a Hp DV3510nr thank you

      2. Hello again, sorry it was my bad since I did not have on my wifi on… I now have an activated 10130 and working for the windows10 pro, thank you!,

  42. I'm a bit confused with the final step
    I've completed the steps and now have Win 10 Pro. I want to create a boot USB because the Optical Drive on the PC has been destroyed. Can I create a boot USB with Rufus for successful Clean Re-Installation of Win 10 Pro? Or will I risk wiping 10130 Installation per your notes on the section below?

    "You can use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to upgrade your Windows 10130 to Windows Pro or alternatively download and create Windows 10 Installation Media.
    •Download Windows 10 Pro .iso and make Windows 10 Installation Media – Recommended
    •Windows 10130 → Windows 10240 (Upgrade) – This will only give you US English if you used the Unofficial 10130 English US .iso

    Note if you make the Installation Media it must be ran via the Windows 10130 Desktop and not via Legacy BIOS/UEFI BIOS otherwise it will wipe the 10130 installation and leave you with an unactivated product.

    After the initial upgrade to Windows 10 Pro it is advised to make Windows 10 Installation Media and to wipe your drive and clean reinstall."

    1. If 10240 (Pro) has already installed and activated you should be able to Clean Reinstall Windows 10 from the Bootable USB (via BIOS). Your product should automatically be reativated.

  43. Thank You very very much, it's working, i've applied it for two devices, there weren't any troubles, all went easy and successfully.

  44. Tried clean install of 10130 on my old Inspiron 510m (Pentium M, 2GB RAM) but can't make it boot from USB or from DVD drive.

    Any suggestions?

    1. You can replace the CD drive with a CD/DVD drive but I wouldn't recommend it. That hardwares too old to run Windows 10 well.

  45. Is there a similar upgrade path from XP Home Premium /Vista Home Premium to Windows 10 Home?

    1. No the Windows Insider Preview 10130 will take you to Windows 10 Pro only. Use this upgrade path, theres no advantage to Home over Pro.

  46. i have E6400 laptop, but my HDD was destroyed. so I bought a new one and Im trying to install windows on it with your manual. I did everything as it is in the manual, but when I type in product key, I got error code 0xc004f050 only. can anybody help me please ???

    1. and Ive also got this window: activating windows professional edition….
      Error: 0x80072EE7 On a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition run slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072EE7 to display the error text

      1. I got this error code, too. Turns out I had internet connection problems. Connecting to a more stable internet connection solved it for me.

  47. Thank you very much for this how to. It works perfectly. I was able to update 2 Vista machines( a Toshiba laptop and a Dell Inspiron desktop )using your info. One with the original info and one with your update involving the manual activation of the 10130 build. Best how to I have every used! 100% accurate. Again, thank you.

  48. Phillip,
    I tried again on the Lenovo y410p with reformatted rufus 10130 iso but still starts with the windows logo and the spinning dots but nothing from there.. I even did it with a dvd boot iso and ejected where I could install in repair mode(safe mode). It actually was working until it got to 66% and stopped. Tried to repair from there but no solution. Guess it may be like the other comment you made on the Inpiron hardware being too old. Funny though how the 10240 boots from usb and clean installs but just cant activate. Any other thoughts?
    I also wanted to comment how easy your tutorial was to follow. Great work in helping others, will come back again.

    1. A quick suggestion, try the 10130 32 Bit .iso and see if you can use it to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro 32 Bit (10240).

      Then clean install Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit (10240).

  49. It was the 32 bit on both iso. The HP DV9620 that successfully installed and the Lenovo that didn't are both only capable of 32 bit installs best I know. Do you think the 10130 iso 64 bit might work?

    1. From the specifications here the Lenovo Y410p should have came with 64 Bit Windows 8.1 so 64 Bit Windows 10 should work fine.

  50. Is October 2nd 2015 the last day for 10130 installation? Did MS extend the date?
    Thanks

    1. If you press [Windows] and [ r ] then type in winver, you will be told the expiry date. This is the 2nd of October 2015 for 10130.

      I guess 10130 won't activate after this date but we won't know for sure until that date. This is why 10130 should just be used as a stepping stone to get Windows 10 Pro 10240 (which won't expire).

      1. I asked because I may get a Dell 1735 on October 7th with no HDD . I have a used HDD ready to install and was planning on using 10130 in order to get win 10 Pro 10240. I guess I have to wait and see. By the way! Do you remember the dilemma I faced with the E1705 with the Radeon x1400 display driver that was not compatible with Win 10 and MS would not auto update my Win 7 pro to win 10 pro ? I just created a new partition and full install 1030 then upgrade to win 10 pro 10240. ind it works. Now I have both win 7 pro and win 10 pro.
        Thank you

  51. Hi Philip i got the error code Error: 0x80072EE7 on Windows Script Host while inputting the key through cmd admin. Can you help me out.

  52. Hi Phil et everybody,
    I succed to install windows 10 via 10130 path on 2 laptops (acer-was running vista) and toshiba was running vista. Thanks

    I tried with 3 others, Toshiba M40 (running XP), HP pavillon a6500f (vista) and lenovo M57p type 6073(vista) without success. I can see the Windows 10 logo from the 10130 ISO disk, but that is stuck there forever? Any idea? Thanks

    1. Do they all have the latest BIOS updates?

      The Toshiba M40 is very poor, a 2004 laptop. Its not going to be capable of running Windows 10.

      The HP Pavillion A6500f and the Lenovo M57p has the latest BIOS? Have you tried 32 Bit and 64 Bit 10130 on these systems? What video cards do they have?

  53. HI after doing this 10130 upgrade how do I upgrade to 10240 do I just ask it to check for updates?

  54. Thanks for this tutorial and help for us that have xp/Vista. I finished the 10130 install and did not sign in with my MS account, should I sign in with my MS account before I complete the second part,the pro upgrade, or create a dummy Ms account or not sign in one at all?

    1. Yes once you have upgraded to Windows 10 10240 your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device and remains activated indefinitely.

  55. Philip, Everything worked… again… even on Oct. 1st. I pulled a mirrored hard drive out of Intel Rapid Store ( RST) and just went through this procedure:
    1. Started with Dell XPS 8500 with pre-installed OEM Windows 8 (it was running 8.1)
    2. I wanted Pro, so I popped in a USB disk with the x64 Windows 10 PRO Preview r10130, en-us.
    3. I did the upgrade, keeping everything. Only problems were the update forgot my static IP due to new driver, and my video was ruined. I installed a Dell video driver from Win 8 found on my hard drive.
    4. Activation was done by commandline, like you show above (Glad to have these steps, I had done a similar thing and had found it elsewhere back in September)
    5. I immediately popped in the RTM DVD I had prepared back in July or August with Win 10 Pro 10240.
    6. As soon update was completed and I logged in, the system is activated with Win 10 Pro.
    7. Hopefully RST will accept my old broken mirror hard disk and it will boot Win10 not Win8! LOL!

    That's my 2nd system to use this method. I still may try a VM upgrade from WinXP SP3!!

  56. BTW, AWESOME tip on using a local account. That saved time and headache from the last install where you recommended it. I already had a 10240 disk, anyway.

    1. Hi guys,
      Got my 10240 activated. However after upgrade it from desktop ..i got deactivated again.
      Reformat hardisk, reinstall Vista, did 10240 via boot as what i did previously, but this time around, no luck….tried activate 10240 via command line…but it keep said failed to activate, was online. 🙁

  57. Hi guys,
    Got my 10130 activated. However after upgrade it from desktop ..i got deactivated again.
    Reformat hardisk, reinstall Vista, did 10130 via boot as what i did previously, but this time around, no luck…tried activate 10240 via command line…but it keep said failed to activate, was online. 🙁

  58. Winver says, that my freshly installed build 10130:
    Evaluation Copy. Expires 10/1/2015 4:59 PM

    🙁

      1. In my time zone it was in the past. But after trick with disconnecting the Internet and changing time in BIOS windows is activated. Windows set time during activation 3 hours before deadline.

  59. I got as far as slmgr /ato. Windows 10 (10130) would not activate. I tried several times to no avail. Then I checked the expiration date of 10130 and it was 10/01/15 5.00 P.M. The article said it would expire 10/02/15. But anyhow, I appreciate the instructions, just wish I had acted on them earlier, and having a full system backup of my Vista OS, it wasn't a problem restoring. Since Visa users were left out of the free upgrade to Windows 10, I'll just keep Vista until it is no longer supported some time in 2017 and if my old computer is still working, decide then whether to buy a new computer, Windows 10 OS, or just run Linux on my old computer and save some money.

    1. The expiry date may differ depending on the region settings. What happens if you change the date and time settings to September? Can you activate 10130?

    2. See updated notes, essentially the change of the time in the BIOS setup, offline install, disabling automatically adjust time/date. Then inputting the product key via the command prompt works. Then connect online and then you can activate 10130. Finally you can use it to get 10240 Pro.

  60. I have the same issue, tried to activate last night, it failed, and I saw with winver that this version of windows expired Oct 1 at 4:59pm, what a bummer! I tried the changing date/time trick, no luck (and I wouldn't expect it to work anyway). I was trying with 64bit version, is it possible the 32bit version has the later expiration time?

    1. See updated notes, essentially the change of the time in the BIOS setup, offline install, disabling automatically adjust time/date. Then inputting the product key via the command prompt works. Then connect online and then you can activate 10130. Finally you can use it to get 10240 Pro.

  61. I just succeded activating 10130 , 15 minutes ago . We will se if I can upgrade it to the final….

    1. set back Bios date to september
    2. unplug internet OR skip wifi during installation
    3. install 10130
    4. slmgr /ipk 6P99N-YF42M-TPGBG-9VMJP-YKHCF // Leave command promt OPen, you will need this one…
    5. !!! change date time settings, to not to update time
    6. plug back ethernet / enter wifi details
    7. in command promt run slmgr /ato
    if it fails, run

    slmgr /upk
    slmgr /ipk 6P99N-YF42M-TPGBG-9VMJP-YKHCF // the UP arrow gets you to this so you dont have to copy/retype
    slmgr /ato

    and it activated….

    1. confirmed, final OS is activated..
      Right now I am reverting to XP, but as I understood I can install w10 anytime from now on, as the activation servers have the HW footprint…

  62. Thanks to your help I have everything up and running again. An e-mail warning from Microsoft about this might haev been nice (being on the insider program they do have the address after all). They seem to forget that test machines are not used all the time

  63. Would it be possible to follow this path:
    Create dual boot, install 10130, activate,install 10240, upgrade vista on other partition to win7 without activation, upgrade to win10, remove dual boot partition used to activate win10. Would this lead to activated win10 with all settings,docs and programs from vista preserved?
    Thanks in advance for your answers.

    1. I've not tested something that complicated but likely no… Windows 10 Pro won't upgrade Windows Vista without a product key even if the system is a "Windows 10 Pro Device".

      It also won't upgrade an unactivated copy of Windows 7 even if the system is a "Windows 10 Pro Device".

      Also if its Windows Vista Home Basic/Home Premium it wouldn't work as it upgrades to Windows 10 Pro i.e. the system is a "Windows 10 Pro Device" from the Insider 10130 and not a "Windows 10 Home Device".

  64. Before I ask my question, I want to thank you for all of the great work you do in creating and updating your tutorials and guides and the follow-up you provide in the way of answers and advise.

    Following your tutorials, I installed and activated 10130 X64, installed the upgrade to 10240 X64, changed the hard drive (to a bigger one that had been wiped), and did a clean install of 10240 X64. Everything worked fine and I now have a clean installation of Windows 10 Pro X64 (activated) on my desktop.

    The oddity that has appeared is that, on the system information page, I now have (not sure when it first appeared) a "Next" link right below the Microsoft Corporation copyright statement in the Windows Edition section. If you follow that link, it eventually takes you to a page that requests that you enter a Product Key.

    Any ideas as to what I may have done wrong to end up with that link? (All of procedures listed above were done several days ago, well ahead of the deadline for activating 10130.)

      1. Thanks for getting back to me. Please let me know when you figure out the cause and I will do the same. I have wiped the hard drive and done a clean install of the 10240 X64 two or three additional times, with the same result.

      2. I haven't figured out what causes the "Next" link but I did figure out how to remove it from the system information page.

        In the Registry Editor:

        HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\MuiCache\1\52C64B7E

        Value name:
        @%windir%\system32\changepk.exe,-3

        Value data:
        Delete the word Next (leave blank)

        This seems to work for both the 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Pro. After deleting the word Next, I shut down and restarted both computers (with the 32 and 64-bit versions) several times. The link never reappeared. Hope that helps.

  65. still working? I have error: 0xC004C003. Should I log in Microsoft acc(after successfully upgrading from tech preview).

    1. It worked yesterday? When do you get this error, activating Windows 10130? No you shouldn't use a Microsoft Account.

      1. It worked yesterday? When do you get this error, activating Windows 10130? No you shouldn’t use a Microsoft Account.

      2. I'm sorry for double post.
        so I got error after clean install. in general it is impossible to use an account?

      3. You need to follow the exact procedure…. otherwise it definitely won't work…

        1. Change the date in the BIOS to September.
        2. Disconnect any network cables.
        3. Install Windows 10130 Offline using a local account.
        4. Change PC settings so the system doesn't automatically update the time.
        5. Input the generic product key via the command prompt.
        6. Connect online and activate via the command prompt.
        7. Update to Windows 10 Pro.

        See here:

  66. I have followed this guide 100% now several time. Everything works perfect all the way up to install updates. I select not at this time, and the prompts I receive are all different than your. I never ever get an upgrade black screen. I get a few prompts asking me what I want to keep (files etc) and then it goes direct to installation. Ultimately to a product key screen.

    This foes not appear to be an upgrade but a clean install.

    10130 was activated and confirmed.

    Downloaded windows 10 pro using media creation tool. Launched from USB set up.

    I'm 95% there. Why does it continue to want to install?

  67. Everything is identical right up until the first PC restart. Yours goes to upgrade. Mine goes to product key.

    I have confirmed 10130 was activated.

    1. Stand by: I may have figured out why.

      I am now showing upgrade:

      Boot sequence still set to USB?

      Soon as I removed USB it has moved upgrade.

      Will update if it successful and active.

  68. Phil,

    Thx, managed to get it done. Seems the USB plugged in did not want to be there while having a bootable OS. During initial restart it wanted to prompt me for a custom install instead of upgrade. Soon as I removed it it when strait to upgrade.

    Thx for the help.

  69. philipyip
    Can I go back to my my vista home edition if I can't upgrade.

    1. Only if you have your Dell Windows Vista Reinstallation DVD or have made Recovery Media using Dell DataSafe Local Backup in advance.

      I don't trust Dell DataSafe Local Backup fully however, it had alot of issues.

  70. philipyip
    I have a acer laptop.. Is your site only for Delll products?

  71. Last night I turned off the computer (Toshiba 7 yr old Satellite running Vista 32 bit) after having a "fatal error" during the 10130 install, and thought I would have to reinstall Windows Vista. However, today I turned on the computer, put in the Vista installation disc, and all of a sudden I was at the Windows 10 screen where the next step is to enter the generic product code. I took the disc out quickly. The product code activated and then the build 10130 activated. The upgrade of Windows 10 (10130) to Windows 10 Pro (10240) went without a hitch. A little nerve racking, but thank you so much for this workaround!!! Windows Visa users should have been included in the first place with the free upgrade to Windows 10. I've suffered long enough with the slow startups and shutdowns. I had no computer, but was given this computer which wasn't functioning. I gambled $50 and put in a new hard drive and used the re-installation discs(Vista). The original owner had never taken advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 7. Again, bless you!!!

  72. Confirmed that the set-the-clock back trick still works as of Oct 8. I'm getting some pretty annoying glitches with my DSL modem as I had to use a Vista 64 bit driver, but other than that everything seems to be working OK. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

      1. That was an actual machine, an older dual core Dell, with dual boot on two partitions with two different versions of Windows installed on each. The target partition originally had Win XP Pro, which was replaced with a new install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, which is now replaced with the 10130 -> 10240 Windows 10 Pro 64 bit (new install but no drive wiping involved in this case). It didn't require any loss of data on the partition, just some manual clean up on my part to free up space.

        In addition, the Windows 10 ISOs were burned to actual DVDs and installed that way. So, the same installation steps of the tutorial using bootable DVDs. After the installation and activation process, date and time were set to normal, and I installed all available Win 10 Pro updates from MS, graphics drivers, etc., not that I had a lot of choice in the matter 😉 So, as far as I can tell at this point, it looks like a standard activated Win 10 Pro device. Again, thanks for the detailed tutorial.

  73. Will this process work on a new build PC with no base operating system. IE can I install build 10130 and activate it by following the instructions?

  74. It still works, I have just followed the amended way of installing it on a laptop. All OK.
    Thanks for your helpful hints n' tips Philip.

    Regards,

    Tony

  75. Still working, just installed it on an old Dell tower at 19:20 BST

  76. Worked for me. Dell Inspiron 660 with new ASUS P8H61-M LE CSM R2.0 motherboard. 3 PM Mountain Time (USA) 10/13/15. The original Product Key was lost inside the failed Dell MoBo.

  77. Had posted a comment earlier, but don't see it here – so I am resubmitting:

    Had an old Inspiron 6000 with 1.8MHZ CPU and 1GB RAM. Found an old PATA hard drive online (cheap) and purchased it after seeing your blog. Installation of 10130 from a USB was giving an error of unable to write to drive. So I copied the setup files directly to the HDD with a USB casing. WIndows 10 10130 started flawlessly. During the upgrade, the power went off. (There was not battery in the system). I was forced to redownload the upgrade and which got activated flawlessly. However, while cleaning the OS with Ccleaner (getting rid of old WIndows installations) it must have wiped some files. Needed to be fixed with Startup Recovery from a Win 10 installation USB (Another download)
    Also, upgraded RAM to 2GB (taken out from another Dell system). Works beautifully.

  78. Thanks a lot, Philip, for this valuable info
    Installing and upgrading Windows 10 still works beautiful 🙂

    1. Thanks for letting me know the upgrade path is still working. Thats 17 days after the expiry date of TH1. What model did you upgrade?

  79. Still working! Thank you so much! This guide was a lifesaver in helping update a Lenovo Thinkpad X61.

      1. Thanks for helping my Pc to upgrade from Vista Home to Windows 10 pro. 10130. But now I don't know if I have to download windows 10 home or windows 10 pro.

  80. Phillip – I just encounter a problem with my original Win 7 Pro I have on a separate partition.
    Firstly Windows 7 Pro as my original OS. Microsoft would not automatically upgrade to Win 10 Pro because they said my Radean driver x1400 was not compatible with windows 10.

    I created a partition and did fresh install 10130 Win 10 then upgrade to Win 10 pro. Thats working fine.
    Two days ago I boot into win 7 when I started up and its now showing Win 7 that I legally have from 2009 not genuine. Microsoft tech said its blocked but not from them it was blocked with my OEM. re they talking Dell? The original OS in the inspiron e1705 was Vista We changed it to Win 7 Pro in 2009. Which OEM is Microsoft referring to. How is this solved?
    Thanks for any insights you can offer

      1. The ID is 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
        Thank you

      2. You have a product ID that corresponds to use of System Locked Preinstallation from a Dell Windows 7 Professional Reinstallation DVD.

        This system however was not sold by Dell with Windows 7 so its BIOS was never updated to have Windows 7 OEM SLP 2.1 markers in the BIOS thus it won't activate.

        Installation is therefore non-genuine see here:
        http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-vista-7-version/#Ineligible

  81. Philip Thanks for the quick reply. Everything was ok with the 10130 . The license and everything in your video was the same on my pc, But when I had upgraded it to the 10 TH1 pr o the system info shows that I have to activate windows.I have done every thing in your video.What have I done wrong how to correct. Maybe because I was using the windows media creation Tool and not the Iso file and rufus?

    1. Its an unofficial workaround. Try again to install 10130 changing the date again etc. and then install 10240 (Pro) directly. 🙂

      1. Philip
        Thanks for your help.This time everything is going fine.My laptop Acer Aspire 5920 G is running Windows en de license key is oke

  82. I thought only Dell issued Product code for windows if you were changing the original OS. The ID is 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
    Thank you

  83. HI Phil Mike in Tokyo here. FYI ran through this install procedure that you have very expertly crafted and was not successfully able to Activate Windows 10 10130 on 21 October 2015 up to this point on my first pass on a DV5 HP Vista laptop from 2009. https://philipyip.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/vlcsnap-2015-09-18-20h09m56s075.png On enabling my WiFi connection and typing slmgr /ato in the elevated command line got the error message https://philipyip.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/15.png I will do another pass and update you shortly.

    However I noted that you are now recommending folk go the TH2 build I presume that is the intended advice after you have activated via this route here?

    The TH2 route is where folk land when they follow your link for the ISO for 10240 your link from this text above is as follows

    http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

    I just thought I would ask you to clarify that small point as I found it confusing when you are focused on finding that ISO. I got mine here quite swiftly

    http://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/windows-10-pro-build-10240-iso-32-64-bit-free-download/.

    If any folk get to where I am what is the best route forward if after a number of passes Phil you can not continue on this track?

    Great to see this old hardware pulling like a train on Win 10 Preview though for what it is worth Phill Thanks!.

    Folk get an emotional attachment to hardware that they have lugged all around the world like a trusted friend Phil that is where I am coming from as a Vista licence holder left out in the cold. Just saying! ; ) I mean I love my HP DV5 almost as much as my Dell N5150……

    Seriously though it is a matter of ecology in my mind folk like us that can get these perfectly adequate hardware entities upgraded to Win 10 instead of filling a land fill should be applauded not vilified! Soldier on Phil I tip my hat to all of you indeed. Warmest from Tokyo Mike

    1. After you get Windows 10 Pro TH1 (Build 10240) installed and activated on your system will be registered with a Microsoft Product Activation Server and it should be considered a "Windows 10 Pro Device".

      Windows 10 Pro TH2 beta can be installed by selecting "I don't have a product key" and will automatically activate on your system. Although TH2 can input a Windows 8.x and Windows 7 product keys I don't see it being enforced due to the issues it would cause with faded Windows 7 COAs.

  84. HI Phil UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

    Quick update on my third pass I was completely successful following your guide on 22 October 2015

    PRODUCT ACTIVATED SUCCESSFULLY

    Activated Windows 10 10130 on 22 October 2015 up to this point on my third pass on a DV5 HP Vista laptop from 2009.

    https://philipyip.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/vlcsnap-2015-09-18-20h09m56s075.png

    Notes on my issues for other folks

    Be very careful not to let Windows boot or even start to boot when you come out of BIOS after changing your BIOS Clock. If you let a previous installation boot or even start to boot it will revert your BIOS clock back to current time. Try it it does it every time.

    Also slow down do all Phils steps one by one and connect by Ethernet not WiFi if you can!!

    That was my issue at the slmgr /ato final command prior to activation of the first Build Windows 10 10130

    Thanks indeed Phil for the great work you are doing Sir!

    Warmest from Tokyo Mike

  85. Hi Phil

    Will take another system through to Win 10 Pro tonight and post my results and any issues or quirks.

    Your note that folk can buy second hand kit and bring them on through resonated.

    If you are considering buying Windows 10 you should access the relative worth of your systems hardware particular if your hard drive has failed. You might be able to buy a second hand system with a Windows 7 OEM license for a similar price and have better hardware to take the “Free” Upgrade to Windows 10.

    This time its a old Gaming Rig I picked up for 80 dollars here without a Hard Disk quite the deal

    Asus P5BE Plus Mother Board
    E6600 Dual Core 2.4Ghz
    Asus 550 Ti Graphics Card
    4GB DDR 2 800 Ram
    Seasonic 550W PSU
    Antec Case

    Awesome! If you like that kind of thing!

    I got it home and hooked it up to a spare 300GB Linux drive and it booted first time, all temps are nominal! Looks like there will be a flood of perfectly usable old kit on the cheap as chips used market here in Japan.

    With a quick upgrade to a Q9550 which are running out now here at 77 dollars a piece this little baby will fly high again soon. I get to scratch my gamers itch of awesome here for peanuts.

    The Graphics card is DX11 capable so will be able to take advantage of the massive improvements that DX12 brings in Win 10.

    I am guessing the previous owner bought herself/himself a SkyLake system having held out with a Graphics card and PSU upgrade till recently the beast is on stock clocks but will do very nicely up to 3.5Ghz with a bit of gentle tweaking until I get the Q9550 in there.

    The COA on the Case is completely unreadable whether by intent or by accident unknown what was it running? Who knows… So can it spread its wings again…..Big M

    Well I digress but the plan is this and this is my main point.

    Since Microsoft have been such Ladies and Gentlemen this time round I have joined the Insider program and have placed that HP DV5 as a Fast Track sandbox.

    I will place this old gaming rig as a Slow track sandbox.

    Naturally my Dell N5150 with a nice new 120GB San Disk SSD is my main machine that has been pushed to Win 10 Home via the Upgrade process from a Win 7 Japanese install.

    Yes I had no issues pushing a Japanese Win 7 Home install to English Win 10 Home other than upgrading the Dell Bios as you so kindly assisted with with your previous notes on that.

    I have FYI placed another copy of Win 10 Home on an ESata drive attached to the Dell which activated instantly this was a clean install from the Media creation tool media by the way.

    Some issues with Grub 2 launch but no problems with the Linux partition at the back of the disk. .On a cold boot I get the Win 10 boot manager and can boot either Win 10 on the SSD or the Win10 on the Esata on a restart I get Grub 2.

    Hmmm interesting well it works for me.

    So next time you are whispering to the guys at Big M can you just tell them that its far, far better for them to have all the second hand kit that's going to be floating around on the market up and running with closet geeks like me as users or insiders than gathering dust on shelves or in airing cupboards all over the planet.

    I mean if this was Mars and we had to survive here, we would be very careful with our resources would we not.

    The recent film The Martian may just hammer that point home.

    By the way this is Earth and we all do have to survive here.

    I will try to be as active as I can on the Insider program given my resources. ; )

    More to come on whether this machine I am typing on now gets through to the Slow track via this magical route as an interesting exercise.

    Well you know it will Phil if the Big M is still being cool!

    Damn never thought I would start calling Microsoft the Big M .

    I have a big cheesy geeky grin right now that reminds me of when I was playing with BBC Model B computers way way back in the eighties before the Big M got nappies.

    Thanks again Phil

    Mike in Tokyo

    1. Bare in mind this solution is unofficial and Microsoft won't support this upgrade path.

      In my opinion Microsoft should make Windows 10 cheap for end users on weak hardware like $20 (at most). i.e. hardware above minimum system requirements but of the late XP/Vista era. In my opinion they should allow you to directly clean install Windows TH2 on such hardware and continue charging full price for VM licenses and on custom builds which have powerful hardware.

      I don't work for Microsoft however and can't even get in the Microsoft MVP program. I asked the Microsoft representatives directly about becoming a MVP at DellWorld however so I'll see if they get back to me.

      1. Phil
        I want to install VMware on my Hp Elitebook laptop with 8 gb ram and a i7 processor. Can I use a 2 TB extern disk to run for VMware or do I need a intern HD of at least 1 TB .

  86. Its still activating, I installed Windows 10 Pro 10131 on a homebuilt pc last night, all went well.

    1. Great I haven't tested this in a couple of weeks… 🙂 Thanks for letting me know. I'm surprised Microsoft hasn't stopped this activation mechanism.

  87. Still activating 07/11/2015. Followed your procedure and installed Windows 10 Pro on an HP Pavilion dv7 using the media creation tool.

  88. I've done this on my desktop no problem before it expired (using standard mbr), however, trying this method on my laptop using efi over last couple of days gives me different options (asks whether to install Pro or Home on the Insider installation) and it won't accept the product key during installation.

    Once installed it also doesn't state it is the insider preview. Only Windows 10 pro :/

    1. I had that problem with my English UK .iso. Use the .iso from getintopc it should be locked to Pro only and not ask for the product key during installation.

      1. Philipyip
        Is the upgrade from vista to windows 10 still working and if so which creation tool do I have to use

      2. Yes it does first you need the 10130 .iso from getintopc and then you can use the TH2 Media Creation Tool…

  89. For those of you wondering, as of Nov 24, 2015, this method is still working. Be aware that after you upgrade to Windows 10 pro, it may initially tell you under system that it is not activated. You may need to wait about 5 min, update your day and time settings, or even restart. But it will work, just be patient (I almost wiped my hard drive to try again before realizing it had indeed worked)

    1. Thanks for posting back I tried it recently with a TH2 .iso opposed to a TH1 .iso and it also worked despite TH2 being released after 10130 expired.

      1. Phllipyip
        If I use the media creation tool Th2,can I use the usb flash or do I need the iso file and create a stick with rufus.I tried it with the rufus stick,but it brought me to the license part. Is this the right way and do I have to delete all partitions to go on?

  90. Hi Phil Mike in Tokyo again apologies for the radio silence I have been rather busy my friend. Well here we are on December 20th 2015 and this Win 10 upgrade path is still working like a charm. Christmas came early for me in 2015 because of this route Phil to a fully activated Win 10 Pro licence on Vista era hardware. Why well if you have 5 minutes read on. As a Broadcast hardware Engineer it pains me to see perfectly usable hardware languishing in the 2nd hand stores here. Hard Off in Japan is doing very well since the Japanese are now living rather more frugally than they used to given the economy. Hard Off I hear you say? Yes in the prefecture just north of Tokyo where many folk actually live a thrift store called Hard Off has grown rapidly over the last ten years or so. Check it out below! The best store near me is in Higashi Omiya its an Audiophiles/Computer buffs paradise. There are even better ones coming up elsewhere in Japan from this chain for example this one in Niigata Shichikuyama focused on Audio only http://www.sod-design.co.jp/?p=3165 Well it had to happen Japanese love their hardware and the demographics here indicate that many older folk will not be around much longer, Japan being a silver society! So where will all their treasure go? Well Hard Off has an answer for that. So to cut a long story short I have upgraded seven machines since we last communicated and kept two of them. Right now I am typing on a 2,500 Dollar Dell XPS One which I picked up for an unbelievable 55 US dollars as it had the classic all the fans running at 100% issue a quick Bios upgrade later and its perfect. Having previously upgraded and sold my Acer Netbook to make some cash. I upgraded my DV5 HP and sold that. I upgraded my Dell N5150 and sold that. I pooled the cash and bought two more machines and stripped expensive chips and audio boards one machine had a tenth anniversary Onkyo Wavio board hidden in there going for $360 dollars on ebay sold some, kept some, and then upgraded those shells and sold them on with fast PATA drives that are cheap as chips here. Western Digital Caviar Blacks 7200rpm pieces Win 10 runs really well on them by the way! As an aside while searching for a Pata drive in one store that would pass muster I found and i5-2400 CPU floating around in a plastic bag for 10 dollars that I sold the next day in Akihabara for 77 dollars pays to know your CPUs it seems . Both shells were fitted with E7500 2.93GHz processors also cheap as chips ha ha out here so entirely usable computers in the end for someone. The net result of this blaze of activity is I now have a rather cool and I mean cool running XPS One with an E8400 an really solid socket 775 lower TDP CPU, a 1TB 7200 Sata HDD and 4GB of DDR2 800 memory on two 2GB sticks upgraded from the stock lame E4500 and 2GB 533 and the other machine I kept is as follows Asus PK5-E Motherboard with a Q8400 blazing Quad Core CPU,4GB DDR2 800 RAM, 750GB 7200 HDD, Media Reader, DVD Drive, Seasonic 550W PSU and that Antec case. I was able to do all the upgrades I had ever researched back in the the Dual Core era day that I never had the coin to actually do, being a father of three boys here. Quite simply Awesome Phil! I am in a holding position now playing with this kit for a while however the itch to continue prevails. I feel like I have been on a history tour of the Intel CPU as I looked for the best value parts to actually do all this. I guess now the next step is to find some socket 1366 boards that are finding their way on to the market here now and do it all over again in the first gen i7 era which I never got to at all. in January! well I will if this upgrade route survives that auspicious date, well in planners minds that is, of January 1st 2016. So Phil I intend to try to upgrade a HDD on Jan 2nd 3rd 4th or so and will let you know whether Big M has turned off this spigot or not then! Meanwhile I have some toys to play with now over Christmas Phil. Thanks indeed my friend for documenting this upgrade route so well for us all. So if all the hardware Engineers like me who are are getting on in life and have time to spare did this what indeed would the impact be ? I mean what value creation have we achieved here. I think the throw away society that we currently live in will never stop, its the remit of progress and business to have us all hungry for more. However if just one of those now working machines I have put out there lands in the hands of a bright kid somewhere here who would not have been able to afford one, well who knows what he/she might do with that opportunity. That is good enough for me Phil. Cheers Mike in Tokyo

    1. Nice to see a fellow hardware/software enthusiast. 🙂 I'm not sure how long Microsoft will leave this path open.

  91. first question is very simplified computer terms could someone please explain what a is meant by logging in as you do this with only a local account. what is a local account. there is no explanation of this and I think it might best to understand rather then use your microsoft account login to invite trouble.

    Also what about the legalities of doing this. Microsoft has sued people for unathorized copies of their software. They aren't dumb. Their technically huge. Is this legal. Can they go after someone for doing this? I reallly wonder before doing.

    1. Microsoft are huge and they need to first get their act together on consistency before coming after people. One moment their representative Gabe Aul told Windows Insiders get a free upgrade and then a couple of weeks later he changed his mind.

      He said Windows Insiders would get upgraded to Windows 10 Pro RTM for free. This unofficial upgrade path is an extension of that upgrade… As far as I can tell there is no way for Microsoft to identify one of these devices from an original Windows Insider 10130 device.

      Local account = normal Windows login like Windows 7 and earlier. Microsoft Account = Microsoft Email login. Microsoft Gabe Aul said Insiders you needed to use a Microsoft Account for this free upgrade path. Turns out that you don't. The unofficial extension of this upgrade path that I document here won't work without a Microsoft Account.

      I documented my testing of the Insider previews and it works as a free upgrade path for Windows Vista. Getting Vista users to upgrade to 10 is actually doing Microsoft a favour as they are wanting to drop all support for Vista as soon as possible. It increases their userbase for Windows 10, Edge and Bing. It also increases custom in their store.

      If Microsoft wanted to shut down this unofficial upgrade path they could simply block the activation of Insider Build 10130.

      1. Hi there and once again thanks for the great guide. My question is regarding using a Microsoft login, what is the reasoning behind avoiding doing this?

  92. Hallo Phillipyip
    I had the Windows 10 pro.After that I used the Th2 on a rufus stick and made a clean install with succes on a Packard Bell Minos GP2W laptop. Thanks again for your help and also thanks that for your tutorial from the link I send to you.
    Is it possible that you create a stick with Yumi for upgrading to windows 10 pro. Can you test it on your virtual machine?

  93. Thanks again for the great guide. Is it fine to login to a Microsoft Account after the final activation?

    1. The reason for avoiding the use of the Microsoft Account during installation of 10130 is that we are circumventing its expiry date by 1. Changing the BIOS date. 2. Installing 10130 Offline (hence Local Account) and 3. Disabling the auto-adjust date/time setting before connection to the internet.

      After the final installation of TH2 or if you decide to clean reinstall Windows 10 TH2 Pro (by skipping product key and selecting Pro) feel free to use a Microsoft Account.

      1. can it be any microsoft account you have or should it be a new one that you start as as insider. I say this because in the following article below they talk about eventually weeding out who's builds they will continue to support upon expiration build dates based on whether it's link properly to an account.

        http://www.computerworld.com/article/2973453/microsoft-windows/microsoft-tells-some-insiders-to-stop-using-windows-10-preview.html

      2. All the Insider Builds are watermarked and have an expiry date… All the Windows 10 Pro Devices (via 10130) on 10525 that upgraded to 10586 (TH2) lost the watermark. Devices that are upgraded to build 11082 are once again watermarked. The watermark will likely go when Redstone RS1 is out.

        That article took the license agreement wording and watermark together out of context. They articles seemed to push some paranoia to Windows Insiders. None of the systems that became Windows 10 Pro Devices via 10130 were stopped by Microsoft.

  94. I messed up the 10 install. First my dos was set to Sept 1, 2015 and the login prompts I got were to just create a regular login for windows. The other log in of creating accounts never showed up like the guide. The software skipped that part. Also. I made a bad choice in not doing the 2nd install. When ten came up as validated per the guides directions, I shut down win 10, reset the bios date and the product opened to being expired. I erased the drive and did a linux system for now.

    Was thinking about trying it again with both installations followed through on. But if I do and then follow the last step of turning on auto time, do I just restart the product and readjust bios date. Will all work then. Any suggestions appreciated.

    1. You need to follow the procedure exactly as outlined. If 10130 runs past its expiry date it will never reactivate (unless reinstalled).

  95. I have upgraded two computers to windows 10 using this method. One of them to 32-bit win-10, the other to 64-bit windows 10. When I upgraded the 64-bit system, I found that my copy of the Microsoft provided 64-bit OS was corrupted. I couldn't remember where I had gotten it and so I went to the microsoft site and just pressed the button provided for upgrading you windows 7, 8, 8.1/2 OS to windows 10. It then download all of the files and did the upgrade automatically. When it finally rebooted, it was the factory release and fully authorized edition. It even changed the time from Sept. 1, 2015 to current time. However, I did not encounter any problems taking the official microsoft upgrade path!!! I had started with a clean install of 10130. Since I had no other Microsoft software, I just made note of what I had to re-download and re-install vis. software and saved off all of my data files to another drive. It was an A-OK experience. If you don't have a copy of the factory valid release install files, give it a try and let us know your experience! Thanks for the tips, tricks and a great experience!

  96. Thx for the guide.

    I completed 10130 install and validation ok.

    I can't seem to follow the second part upgrade to 10586 as instructed? I'm not sure whether to select the option to download important updates (I have tried both ways selecting this option and also not selecting the option). Both ways I get an error after installation begins "modern set up host has stopped working".

    NOTES
    I'm not on Dell laptop, just a normal PC coming from xp, but I believe pc meets Min windows 10 requirements.

    For TH2 download I am using Windows media creation tool which identifies the version in properties on the details tab as 10.0.10586.0. I choose the version windows 10, not windows 10N. Is this correct?

    When I select to run the setup.exe of 10586 from within the 10130 install it dosent follow your guide. After the option to download updates it then goes to accept license page then after accepting it goes to screen "installing windows 10" without the screen showing upgrading as the guide shows?

    I would greatly appreciate any assistance, I feel so close.

  97. Thx for the guide.

    I completed 10130 install and validation ok.

    I can't seem to follow the second part upgrade to 10586 as instructed? I'm not sure whether to select the option to download important updates (I have tried both ways selecting this option and also not selecting the option). Both ways I get an error after installation begins "modern set up host has stopped working".

    NOTES
    I'm not on Dell laptop, just a normal PC coming from xp, but I believe pc meets Min windows 10 requirements.

    For TH2 download I am using Windows media creation tool which identifies the version in properties on the details tab as 10.0.10586.0. I choose the version windows 10, not windows 10N. Is this correct?

    When I select to run the setup.exe of 10586 from within the 10130 install it dosent follow your guide. After screen for option to download updates it then goes to a accepting licence terms screen. After accepting it then shows "installing windows 10" without the screen showing upgrading as the guide shows? After some time installing it the shows the error "modern set up host has stopped working".

    I would greatly appreciate any assistance, I feel so close.

      1. Thanks for the prompt reply Phil and tutorial link, much appreciated.
        I'll try again from the start next weekend and let you know how I go.

      2. Thanks again for your guide and assistance Philip.

        I followed the updated guide and tutorials exactly, except using DVD Bootable media instead of USB.

        I received a memory error pop up box during 10130 install after entering username step, but I was able to continue and was able to also install TH2 and I now have an activated win 10 pc (shows as activated in system).

        Only problem is that it appears corrupted as when I try to install new programs (ie chrome, Firefox, and others) they seem to install ok but won't actually open? I've tried running as administrator and tried googling this problem but can't find any fix.

        All the other parts of Windows 10 work ok (ie start bar, updates, Explorer, edge) but I just can't seem to run any new programs that I download and install?

        When trying to install / uninstall some programs I also get a Windows installer error.

        I'll try a new clean install of Windows 10 as the link at the end of your guide (Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail TH2 .iso), since it appears my pc is activated now.

        I am concerned as when I follow the (Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail TH2 .iso) and use the neosmart program (which does seem to install and run on the PC?) i get the error 'unable to open MSDM table' which suggests Im not activated or have a key?

        I tried the other method also rweverything (which also does seem to install and run on the PC, but crashed after i used it?). I was able to go to launch ACPI tables but there was no MSDM tab?

        Not sure now whether im actually win 10 activated although when i go to system it says i have Windows 10 Pro, and it says activated down the bottom?

      3. The neosmart program is only for Windows 8 and windows 10 OEM UEFI BIOS Embedded SLP keys. There is a separate section mentioning the 10130 Upgrade path. Essentially you select skip product key and then opt to install Windows 10 Pro. Your device will reactivate automatically when online.

  98. Still working! (on Jan 10 2016)
    From Windows Vista on HP Pavilion dv2000
    Thanks for the guide!

      1. Does your guide only work with vista or windows xp or can I use it also for windows 7 ?

      2. This guide is designed for Windows Vista and Windows XP as workarounds are required to get the free upgrade. Microsoft have allowed Windows 10 TH2 installation to accept Windows 7 keys directly during installation so you should instead refer to here:
        http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

        If you want an upgrade install opposed to the recommended clean install see here:
        http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/upgrading-to-windows-10/

      3. Only use the XP/Vista guide for Windows 7 if you have an OEM COA that is faded and the HDD has failed.

  99. phillipyip
    Thanks for your quick response
    I bought used Lenovo Thinkpad 220x with debian installed. In the battery compartiment I found the COA sticker with a license key. With your help my laptop has a digital signed license key

  100. Thanks again for promt reply Philip.

    So just confirming if I completed part 1&2 of the xp upgrade to 10 guide and my pc now says in system that it's windows 10 pro and activated I can clean install windows 10 again by just :

    Booting into the same TH2 iso that I downloaded in part 2 of the xp guide rather than installing it from within the current 10 install?

      1. The clean install worked like a gem.

        Everything working well and still windows 10 pro activated.

        Confirming windows 10 Reinstallation guide (xp/vista workaround) still working as of 18/01/16.

        Thanks so much Philip.

  101. Windows 10 Pro 32 bit is still working fine since my Oct. 2015 upgrade from Vista 32 bit on my Toshiba Satellite per your instructions/guide. Thanks! Didn't realize how bad Vista was until this upgrade. Shame on Microsoft for being so wishy, washy and not allowing Insiders to upgrade Vista to Windows 10 as promised. I do have a question though. I wish to increase the memory of my computer from 2 gb to 4 gb and want to go from Windows 10 32 bit to 64 bit (computer is 64 bit capable). Do I understand correctly that no product key will be needed if I download a Windows 10 64 bit iso and install it on my computer deleting the 32 bit version in the process? Are there any other implications to consider?

    1. Yes it works for either architecture. Some early Vista laptops had processors with only 32 Bit instruction sets so check the details of your processor before attempting to upgrade.

  102. I get as far as the "Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro TH2" step & everything looks good. Key activated ok up to this point. Date in bios & windows build 10130 is 9/1/15. When I go to install TH2, I'm asked for a product key & can't bypass this screen.

    1. Got feedback that it worked for someone on 2 systems at the weekend. Are you definitely using a Windows 10 TH2 .iso? It won't work with a Windows 10N TH2 .iso or a Windows 10 SL TH2 .iso. These will ask for keys… I just tested in a new VM its still working.

      1. Hi Philip,

        Thanks for the most comprehensive guide I've seen on the web. I upgraded my 2007 Dell Inspiron 1721 running Vista to Win 10 Pro TH2 without hiccup. One quick question, is that it now or do I still need to download the OEM/Retail version and do a clean install now that I have the digital sig.? I reckon I am all set for good but wanted to make sure.

        thanks.

      2. Thanks Philip for the most comprehensive how-to page I've seen in a while. I successfully upgraded my 2007 Inspiron 1721, running Vista Home using this guide, everything worked and I am now on Win 10 TH2 (build 10586, version 1511). One minor question, is this the final working version or do I still have to download the OEM/retail version and redo a clean install, now that mine is a Win 10 Pro device? This part at the end wasn't so clear to me, nor is any of the official MSFT blog posts.

        Thanks again

      3. You don't need to clean install at this stage but I recommend doing so as performance is sometimes lost after an upgrade install… Your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device and you already have the Windows 10 TH2 .iso made up as a bootable USB so if you want to clean install just boot from the USB and clean install, skip entry of the product key and select the Pro Edition. It will automatically reactivate.

        Microsoft's official blogs have been inconsistent regarding this upgrade path so I just mentioned them at the bottom. I mentioned how to continue as a Windows Insider (should you want to).

      4. I also had it asking for product key, but that was because I downloaded the "Single Language" version.

        Now I have a problem at the 7% installation part of TH2 where the installation window disappears and a small box comes up "Something happened" "Windows 10 installation failed." I thought it was because I didn't start with an "unallocated drive", but I have followed the guide again deleting the partition, but I am still getting the error. I am not running a dell machine. But it is compatible according to the windows 8 upgrade assistant. =/

        An ideas philipyip? Thank you very much for putting this guide together.

      5. The single language Edition won't work. What make/model is your system? Does this error message occur on the desktop or after Windows 10 restart.

      6. Hi Philip,

        I think I am just confused. I made 2 bootable USB, one with 10130 and second one with 10586 TH2, went through the clean install with 10130, which made my laptop a pro device. Then I did a clean install using the second USB containing 10586, and succeeded.

        My question is, do I now have the OEM/Rail Windows 10 Pro version or am I still running some pre-release insider version? This morning, I got auto-updated to 10.0.10586.104, which I think is the newest.

        I am not a MSFT insider nor do I wish to be one, just want to make sure what I have is good to go, without expiration. I basically just want to use the released version, not beta or insider etc… version.

        Thanks.

      7. You will only be a Windows Insider if you change the Windows Update settings to install Windows Insider Builds (by default this setting is off).

        The license is neither Retail or OEM but acts OEM like.

  103. Thanks for the interesting scheme for upgrading to Win10 from Vista. I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 Vista Home Premium and am looking for an upgrade path.

    It might be a couple of silly questions but
    (1) can the .iso files be put onto DVDs rather than USB sticks and make the upgrade via that method? and
    (2) I presume all the upgrade/security patches that would be available to regular Win10 users are available to TH2 upgraders?

    Thanks again.

    1. DVDs can be used although USBs are preferred (USBs are faster to make, faster to copy from and theres usually less problems). There are sometimes problems due to incorrectly burnt DVDs.

      Yes once your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device it'll keep being updated. TH2 is the currently mainstream build but you can also upgrade the install to RS1 beta (Insider Preview Build),

      1. Hi there,
        I'm having trouble finding a version of windows 10 insider 10130, the link you provided seems to be no longer active. please help… i don't want to be stuck on vista for the rest of my life 🙁 shame i never found this sooner.

        maybe you have a file to send??

        Cheers.

  104. Many thanks Philip!

    The file you have provided seems to be 32bit, iv got a 64bit system and was wondering if it is possible to install the 32bit 10130 version, do what is needed and then install the 64bit windows 10 1511 version after.

    Apologies if this is a silly question.
    Thanks again.

    1. Thanks for this guide, and for the files! I'm trying to upgrade an old Vista laptop but so far I keep getting stuck on Activation for 10130. I follow all steps to the letter but every time I enter the "slmgr /ato" command I receive a security error. Whether I wait 5 minutes or 50, and I have my date set to January 2015. If you have any insight as to why I'm having problems activating while others still seem to be having success with this method I'd appreciate it!

      1. January 2015 is too early for this build. Change the date to 09/09/2015. You may need to reinstall 10130 afterwards.

      2. I don't know how I missed the date for 2 days straight. That clears things right up. I guess that's another confirmed install as of today! Thanks again

    2. You can use the 32 Bit 10130 .iso and then the 32 Bit 1511 TH2 .iso to upgrade to make your system a Windows 10 Pro Device.

      After you can clean install with the Windows 1511 TH2 64 Bit .iso by skipping product key and selecting the Pro Edition.

      The 64 Bit 10130 .iso should also be in the same location.

  105. I couldn't reply to your reply so I will continue here. I only used the single language on my first try last week. I am on the correct one now, its not asking for the product key.

    It comes up with the error before it restarts. Its always just after 7%. From my google searches, others solve it by rebuilding boot config data, MBR, etc, but that didn't help me. =/

    The system is a Core2Duo E8400 on a Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3 mobo with 2GB ram and an IDE connected 80G HDD.

  106. hi, did this on an optiplex 760 with vista business changed out my vista install main drive and installed a spare drive into it, did the 10130 activated just fine with the clock and date settings set to September 2015. then i had the 10240 media anyway when i downloaded it from microsoft. upgrade went fine, set the time back to normal and it updated the time and date again from their servers. 10240 activated just fine too. the actual windows update for 10240 went without a problem.

    This is as of 2/11/16 into 2/12/16. this method still works if you know what are you doing. thanks again

    QUESTION, i want to put my vista drive back in, and then at some point soon, buy a new larger hard drive. can i just use my 10240 windows 10 disk, and install windows 10 and will it activate like normal then?

    1. Your device is a Windows 10 Pro Device. You can directly clean install Windows 10 Pro by skipping the product key on a new HDD/SSD as long as its in this computer. It will automatically activate when online. P.S. I recommend using a 10586 (TH2) .iso opposed to a 10240 (TH1) .iso.

      1. this morning, 2-12-16. booted the computer, went to check for updates, and there was the 1511 update ready to download. installed the 1511 update with no problem, so as of right now windows is all up to date.

  107. FWIW, I re-did a clean install successfully using the 10586 TH2 USB created using Rufus, but not MSFT official Media Creation tool, that bombed after I select to overwrite my target drive.

    Thanks again Philip.

  108. Another successful install!!! 18/02/16
    Vista Home Premium 64bit ~~> Windows 10 Pro 64bit

    Iv been struggling with Vista on this very machine since late 2009. Never did i think that one day id be running Windows 10 pro on my dusty old desktop, but it runs really really well. Boots up fast, every things nice and snappy, i like it.
    I started off by running DBAN to clean hard drive then installed windows insider 10130, went through activation, installed 10586 TH2 then from there downloaded and used the media creation tool to download the proper English version of windows 10 pro.
    All installed from bootable usb's made in Rufus

    I did have some issues with black bars around the edges of the screen, but fixed with editing registry. google is your freind.

    Also the sound sometimes stops working, at the moment i just uninstall all sound drivers then let windows reinstall them again via troubleshoot sound problems option, usually fixes it.

    Philip your Awesome!!! Thanks Man!!

  109. First off – thanks for the guide.
    Mine went a bit off the plan. I made the mistake of installing a 32 bit when my system was capable of the 64 bit, so when I looked at System, I had 16 GIG of RAM installed but less than 4 GIG useable. So I tried to pick up after the 10130 install and install the 64 bit version but it did not go according to the guide and at one point asked me for a license key (it did not do that the first time when installing the 32 bit version.

    I have Windows 10 64 bit installed but the software is NOT activated.

    Should I start the entire process again? What do you suggest?

    1. The 64 Bit .iso shouldn't ask for a key. However if it is, use the 32 Bit .iso and upgrade to Windows 10 TH2 Pro 32 Bit. After the system has activated (became a Windows 10 Pro Device) you can directly clean install Windows 10 TH2 Pro and skip any prompts for product keys. The Window s10 pro Device will automatically reactivate when online.

      1. I did this install on a Eee PC Netbook without any problem. I tried it on an Acer Aspire Vista machine, doing the initial installation from the downloaded .iso on a dvd. The system booted to the start up screen (the windows logo with the spinning white dots). It sat there for approximately two hours with no additional progress. There appeared to be no activity on the hard drive. Is it common for the loading of the initial files to take this long? Thank-you for this article.

      2. Sounds like the Acer isn't 64 Bit compatible or the processor doesn't have NX support. Need system details and exact model number there are thousands of different Acer Aspires.

  110. I was on the insider preview program with an old Dell Latitude D430 laptop. When I read this how-to I dug out my old 10130 ISO's from my NAT and have just upgraded my Dell Precision M90 from Vista x64 to Windows 10.

    1. Rocking! Phil deserves a slap up meal at the very least from all of us! Don't cha all think?

  111. Thanks for the reply. The Acer Aspire laptop is currently not in my possession so I don't have the details regarding the model. I was trying to install build 10130. The 32 bit version. When I get the computer back, I will check to see if it is 64 bit compatible.

  112. Great Thanks Philip
    Just upgraded old Vista on XPS M1330 to Win 10 TH2 on 03/03/2016

  113. Thank you very much for your excellent guide!
    I just have few doubts about if it will work on my pc; I have a Dell Optiplex 330 with XP (Intel Core 2 Duo, E4500 @2.20ghz, updated at 4gb Ram). I already bought a 240gb ssd hard disk. The windows 8 upgrade checker was ok, but reading your tips I think it will not work… what do you suggest? maybe it's better to upgrade just to win 7, or 8?
    Thank you for your precious help. Best Regards. Italo

    1. It should work well on that model. Its a mid 2007 Desktop and Dell supported Windows Vista 64 Bit on it. It should also hence work with Windows 10 64 Bit.

      1. I have WIN XP 32bit now on it… Do you think it will run WIN 10 64bit?
        I donwloaded the "en_windows_10_pro_10130_x64_dvd" and the "Win10_1511_Italian_x32"; Did I downloaded correctly?
        Best regards. Italo

      2. No you have a 64 Bit 10130 .iso and a 32 Bit 1511 .iso. You need either both to be 64 Bit (recommended) or both to be 32 Bit. You cannot perform a cross-architecture upgrade install which is needed to make your system a Windows 10 Pro Device.

      3. Yes, you are right! I did a wrong download. But my question would be: if now my pc run a win xp 32bit version, do you think it will run a win 1064bit versione? or it's better to install a 32bit? Thank you in advance. Italo

      4. The procedure is a clean install of Windows 10130 and then an upgrade to Windows 10586 (TH2) Pro so it doesn't matter if your old version was 32 Bit or 64 Bit. Personally I'd install 64 Bit Windows on that system.

  114. hey phil,
    everytime the win 10 10586 ver1511 tries to install I get the error message.

    0xC1900101 – 0x20004

    The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_RECOVERY_ENVIRONMENT operation

    any suggestions?

      1. It is a hp dv9620us amd turion 64 x2. Bios revision f.34

      2. I'm less familiar with HP and AMD hardware than Dell and Intel hardware. A look up of that error messages suggests a driver issue. Some have managed to pass it by disabling the Ethernet and Wireless in the Device Manager.

  115. Philip, thanks so much for this guide, it's been really helpful. However having installed 10130 successfully I find that the 10596 bootable USB won't work, I get 4 errors saying that some dll files are corrupt or are not designed to run on Windows. Also that autorun.dll could not be loaded or is corrupt. Any ideas? Is it a matter of re-creating another USB or something more fundamental? Dell Inspiron 530 with latest BIOS. thanks again

    1. It sounds like the USB is corrupt, perhaps an incomplete download of the 10596 TH2 .iso making corrupt installation media.

  116. I installed the 10130 version without a problem (64bit) then I've had to leave this on for a couple of days without checking in on it. Now when I go to install the next version I deselect that I want to help, I choose to not update at this time.
    Then I do not get to choose language and I am asked for a product key. (64bit) suggestions?

    1. You need to follow the exact steps in this guide, change the date in the BIOS setup, install 10130 offine. Then disable the setting to automatically synchronise the date/time. Then input the generic key via the command prompt and then connect to the internet and activate via the command prompt. Finally you can then preform the upgrade install of Windows 10 TH2 Pro. Not doing all these steps in order will result in TH2 media asking for a key etc. give warnings about the build expiring etc.

      1. I have been following the steps to the letter. The problem arrises when I am trying to install TH2. I have the right date (4th sep 2015) the key for 10130 successfully activated and i do not synchronise date. I will try again later I have seen some sort of error I think it was a memory one, seems strange.

      2. Looks like checking a 2nd and a 3rd time wasnt enough, the build on my 2nd usb was wrong. it is now installing.
        One question though, this will not be a genuine windows, correct? Is this as real as it gets or do I need to continue with this step:
        "It won’t have a product key but you can clean install Windows 10 Pro by skipping product key and it’ll automatically reactive your Device when online…" ?

      3. All I can say is this upgrade path is "unofficial". Official Microsoft sources have gave contradictory information. Their last post on this "unofficial upgrade path" says one will need to buy a new license or roll back because the build will expire or alternatively remain as a Windows Insider. It doesn't expire on the mainstream builds however..
        https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/06/19/upcoming-changes-to-windows-10-insider-preview-builds/

  117. Philip, thanks for the awesome site! Microsoft has removed the Win 8 Upgrade Assistant for Win XP/Vista from their website at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=321548 in Section: Can My Hardware Run Windows 10? above and is not easily found on the Internet. Can you upload to your Google drive?

      1. Still working B-) Thanks Philip, a brilliant guide B-)

      2. Glad it worked for you, thanks for writing to let me know. What system (model) did you upgrade to Windows 10?

  118. Hi Philip,
    I have downloaded the Windows 10 10586 (TH2) Pro 32 bit. But the downloaded size of iso is 2.6 GB and when I stated download it was showing 3.2 GB. Should I go with the downloaded iso of 2.6 GB or should I again download it. Plz help…

    1. Thought I had file sizes stated in the guide. Its now updated. The 10130 Insider Preview 32 Bit .iso is 2,816,192 KB (2.68 GB).

      1. Dear Philip,
        10130 Insider Preview 32 bit iso is 2.68 GB which is OK. But what is the size of 10586 TH2 iso 32 bit. My downloaded iso of 10586 TH2 shows the size of 2.6 GB. Is that true. I doubt because when I stated download from Techbench it was showing the size of 3.2 GB. But after download, the iso file size was 2.6 GB. Please let me know should I download it again. or should I go with 2.6 GB dowlnloaded ISO

  119. Can you upload the Win 10 10.0.10586.35 iso. I can only get the single language iso from tech bench.

    1. The Windows 10 .iso Download Links from Techbench for both English US and UK are working fine for me. Give it a try perhaps inprivate browsing (or using the likes of Firefox).

  120. Dear Philip,
    10130 Insider Preview 32 bit iso is 2.68 GB which is OK. But what is the size of 10586 TH2 iso 32 bit. My downloaded iso of 10586 TH2 shows the size of 2.6 GB. Is that true. I doubt because when I stated download from Techbench it was showing the size of 3.2 GB. But after download, the iso file size was 2.6 GB. Please let me know should I download it again. or should I go with 2.6 GB dowlnloaded ISO

    1. The English UK 10586 Techbench 32 Bit .iso is 2,297,760 KB (2.79 GB).

      The English US 10586 TH2 .iso is 2,962,582 KB (2.82 GB).

      1. the keys for activating Insider version are still working ??

      2. This unofficial workaround still works… but you have to follow the instructions exactly. You have to change the date in your BIOS setup, install 10130 offline, disable the automatically update time setting and then input the generic key via the command prompt. Then connect online and activate via the command prompt… After that upgrade to Windows 10 TH2 Pro.

  121. Hi,

    Thanks for your work on this. Updated my Samsung NC10 yesterday 🙂
    I did have problems with the spinning white dots initially but changing the bios settings seemed to get it going!

  122. Thank you so much, this is the best and only working guide i found! ;D

  123. Confirmed today 🙂 Install and activation on 2008 Asus laptop went exactly as your great guide shows 🙂 Thanks to you i have Win 10 Pro x64 on this 8 years old, poor hardware 🙂

    1. Nice, thanks for posting to let us know you had a successful install. 🙂 In a VM I tested: 10130 Clean → 10586 (TH2) Upgrade → 14295 (RS1 Insider) Clean.
      It worked. When I get time I will test 10130 (Clean) → 14295 (RS1 Insider) to see if it works…

  124. Hi Philip
    thanks… it works perfectly on my 8 years old dell xps m1530. I followed all the steps you have mentioned and it works. thanks a lot….

    1. Great thanks for posting to let me know you had a successful install. I tested it out on 4 OptiPlex 755 SFFs yesterday. 🙂

  125. Successful 64 bit install today on:
    Dell Precision WorkStation 390
    OS: Windows XP Professional 2/8/2007
    BIOS: Dell 2.0.8 10/24/2006
    Processor: 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    4GB RAM, 80GB HDD

    Also 2/28/2016 successful 64 bit install on:
    Dell Inspiron 1525
    OS: Windows Vista Business 12/2008
    BIOS: Dell A16 10/16/2008
    Processor: 2.00GHz Intel Pentium Dual CPU T3200
    2GB RAM, 250GB HDD

    Thank you for providing this path to refresh these two old machines.

  126. Good Morning, I am blocked at the "connect to the internet cable" because I have a "Unidentified Network – No Internet Access" ("Ethernet" doesn't have a valid IP configuration). So I can not go forward with the installation. (My card is a Broadcom netXtreme 57xx gigabit controller).
    How Can I fix it?
    When I shut down the computer, I receveive also the following "explorer.exe" error:
    The instruction at 0x00007FFC7CE3CC60 references memory at 0x00000000000. The memory could not be read. Click ok to terminate the program. Is this a bad message?
    Thank you in advance for your precious help.
    Itali

  127. Hi, thanks for the tutorial and files…
    i am stuck on Windows 10 TH2 update,
    it says 17% for last half hour… is it normal?
    im goingto wait one more hour then gotta do somethink…

  128. Ok but in this case how do I connect to internet? I cannot check the serial number without internet and I cannot go further with the installation…
    Thank you for your help.

    1. Use another computer to make the diagnostics CD/DVD. If 10130 is installed see if you can use another connection to try as mentioned the driver is inbuilt.

  129. Hi Philip, I did the [F12] preboot diagnostics and everything seems ok but when I shut down WIN10, the error appears (it appears only when I connect the new SSD where I am installing WIN10).
    But the big problem is that internet is still not working: ethernet doesn't have a valid ip, the network is setted as "public" and it doesn't work. I tryed to set it "private" but still not working and when I unplug and plug again the ethernet cable, it turns public again.
    If it's a driver problem, what do you think if I connect the old HHD with XP and I try to update che NIC driver? (hoping that will work also with XP in the old HHD)

    1. Updating the driver on XP will in no way influence the 10130 build. Is this a corporate network or a home network? Can you try a wireless USB dongle?

      1. Problem solved just putting IP address manually… and Installation complete quickly.
        I need to do the same process to other 3 identical pcs…. I am thinking to clone the ssd and copy on the new ones… what do you think?
        Is it possible into windows 10 to virtually install and run the windows xp of the older hhd?

      2. You need to do the upgrade from 10130 in order to get the "free upgrade". I done 5 OptiPlex 755's the other day. I went through the clean install of 10130, then upgraded each to Windows 10 TH2 Pro. I then clean installed Windows 10 TH2 Pro (skipping the product key), added additional software and made a Macrium image. I then restored it to the rest.

      3. I followed your guide till the end so I went through the clean install of 10130, then upgraded each to Windows 10 TH2 Pro in italian. I thought it was a clean installation… Do you have a guide for it?
        Thank you a lot for your precious help!

  130. Hi Philip, I have downloaded the 32-bit 10130 file successfully, but am having real trouble downloading the 32-bit 10586 TH2 file from TechBench. I've tried both Chrome and Microsoft Edge and the download keeps cutting out after about 30 minutes (approx 1GB done) telling me Failed – Network Error. I've tried cleaning my temp internet files and cookies etc, tried saving in different places, no luck. Any suggestions?

      1. Hi Philip
        Congratulations on your excellent step by step. You're a genius, man!!!
        I want to upgrade from XP to Windows 10. I read the entire blog, but I do not know much about computers, so I still have some questions and I would like to know if you can help me: if I do this upgrade, am I obliged to continue in the Windows Insider Program? After the upgrade, do I get a windows 10 valid license? Can I do a clean install? Or I can't activate the license to obtain updates, because this upgrade is not official? The ISO's links are safes to download?
        Thanks in advance after

      2. First what system model do you have. Your system will become a Windows 10 Pro Device after following this guide… After you can clean install Windows 10 Pro without input of a product key and the device will automatically reactivate when online.

        Gabe Aul stated you needed to remain an Insider but in my testing you don't.

        The .isos are safe I have tested them.

  131. Hi Philip
    Congratulations on your excellent step by step. You're a genius, man!!!
    I want to upgrade from XP to Windows 10. I read the entire blog, but I do not know much about computers, so I still have some questions and I would like to know if you can help me: if I do this upgrade, am I obliged to continue in the Windows Insider Program? After the upgrade, do I get a windows 10 valid license? Can I do a clean install after upgrade? Or I can never activate the license to obtain the updates, because this upgrade is not official? The ISO's links are safes to download?
    Thanks in advance

  132. Thank you very much for your answer.
    I have two pc towers with two genuine XP 32-bit licenses. One of the pc is quite old ( Asus P5KPL-vm with a core 2 duo processor ), but it runs only with one ram slot ( 1 gb DDR2 800 ). The other slot has a short circuit. I'll have to see if it is able to upgrade. The other PC is a modern one. It has an MSI H81 motherboard, 8GB DDR3 1600MHz with an I3 4160. Should I replace the board of the old one before upgrading it? And if I have to change the board after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, will Microsoft create problems because of the key? After a Windows 10 clean install, will the updates continue to work like a normal key?
    Anyway, if Microsoft at any moment in the future, for some reason, blocks this Windows 10 Pro key originated from the upgrade, can I buy a retail key and replace it?
    I know that's a lot of questions, I'm sorry for that.
    Thanks again

    1. The product activation gets tied to the systems motherboard. Replacing the motherboard makes the system a new device and this unofficial upgrade path will need to be carried out on the new board. I would advise getting more RAM for the first system. You can always buy a key from Microsoft if you want.

      1. Hi Philip
        I'm with a doubt because of ISO sizes.
        I used the links that you have provided, to download ISOS, but:

        – en_windows_10_pro_10130_x86_dvd.iso, my download folder indicates 2,894,077 kb instead of 2.816.192 kb.
        To use RUFUS, I convert the folder to an ISO, through Folder2Iso. The size changed to 2,893,852 kbytes. I think this is normal a variation from 2.894 to 2.893 but the value is yet something different from the initial 2,816,192 kb of the original ISO file, no?
        .
        – Win10_1511_1_EnglishInternational_x32 ISO. Your indication 2,927,760 kb, but my ISO has 3.338.039 kb
        The values are somewhat different. Can you help me to understand why the values are so different?
        Thank you.

      2. The sizes I listed are correct. There should be no need to convert the .iso to a folder. Rufus can load the .iso directly.

      3. Ok. I certainly took a few wrong steps. The first time I downloaded ISO 10130, and it came as a normal file. That's why I used Folder2Iso to convert to an ISO file.
        Now I tried again, and has come as an ISO file.
        So with Rufus I created the two USB pen.
        ISO 10130 has 2,883,780 kb and ISO 15111 has 3,338,039 kb.
        I think it's normal this difference. I will try now to upgrade.
        Thanks a lot.

      4. Hi Philip
        After Windows 10 activation, can we set Time and Time Zone Automatically, to on?
        I have Windows XP in my hard drive, so I have to change my Sata settings to IDE to be recognized. Can I change to AHCI or should I keep IDE mode, after the upgrade? The drive is connected by a SATA cable to the motherboard.

      5. MSI-p33 H81m
        8gb RAM
        Windows XP x32 to Windows 10 Pro x32
        10586 TH2 ISO installed and activated. Mission accomplished.
        Next step: Windows 10 pro x64 clean installation.
        What ISO should I download and install now? Through the Media Creation Tool or through other? Can I install an ISO in my mother language?

        My tower has an old HD and despite my motherboard be modern, I'm not able to change from IDE to AHCI. The system doesn't boot. Should I format and reinstall the new ISO x64 in AHCI? In that case, which format should I use to make a bootable pen?

      6. Nice. 🙂

        To the first questions the Windows 10 TH2 (10586) x64 .iso via the Media Creation Tool or Techbench. Skip product key during installation and ensure you install Windows 10 Pro. It'll automatically reactivate when online.

        There should be a BIOS setting to swap from IDE to SATA.

        The system will not be able to boot when the SATA operation is changed. You will need to clean install.

        Perhaps its worthwhile getting a Crucial SSD such as a 250 GB BX200 before attempting the clean installation.

      7. Hi Philip

        I've already done a clean install. Later I will buy an SSD.

        I've two questions yet.

        These were my steps to activate Windows Pro from Windows XP x86 in Portuguese, to Windows 10 Pro :

        First I installed Windows 10 Pro x86 10130 Insider Preview US .iso ( language US, time and currency UK, keyboard Portuguese ).

        Then Windows 10 Pro x86 TH2 Build 10586/1511 UK .iso ( language, time and currency UK, keyboard Portuguese ).

        I activated Windows.

        Next, I did a clean install with Windows 10 Pro x64 TH2 Build 10586/1511 UK .iso ( language, time and currency UK, keyboard Portuguese ).

        First question: can I do a Portuguese Pt-Pt clean install, or I have to use always the UK/US .isos?

        Second question: to have a chance to receive a final Windows 10 Pro key at the end of July, do I have to register myself at the Insider Program and use a Microsoft account?

        Thanks again

        2016-05-17 23:03 GMT+01:00 The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide :

        > philipyip commented: "Nice. 🙂 To the first questions the Windows 10 TH2 > (10586) x64 .iso via the Media Creation Tool or Techbench. Skip product key > during installation and ensure you install Windows 10 Pro. It'll > automatically reactivate when online. There should be a BIOS " >

      8. The system is a Windows 10 Pro Device meaning the systems motherboard is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server.

        You can clean install Windows 10 Pro using any language you like.

        You won't get a Windows 10 Pro key but it will automatically reactivate when clean installed.

        You can stick to the mainstream or the Insider builds and you don't need to use a Microsoft Account but you can.

      9. Ok I got it. I thought this upgrade would give me access to a Windows 10 Pro key, later. So, in this case, when I want to change my motherboard … or if she dies, I have to buy a key directly from Microsoft. Ok.

        2016-05-24 16:45 GMT+01:00 The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide :

        > philipyip commented: "The system is a Windows 10 Pro Device meaning the > systems motherboard is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation > server. You can clean install Windows 10 Pro using any language you like. > You won't get a Windows 10 Pro key but it will automatical" >

      10. Hi Philip I plan to assemble another PC. A Skylake platform. I have another XP x86 key. Can I install XP x86 on a Skylake platform and then upgrade to Windows 10 using this method? The Skylake platform supports the installation of Windows XP x86? It would be just to upgrade, of course. Thanks

        2016-05-24 16:45 GMT+01:00 The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide :

        > philipyip commented: "The system is a Windows 10 Pro Device meaning the > systems motherboard is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation > server. You can clean install Windows 10 Pro using any language you like. > You won't get a Windows 10 Pro key but it will automatical" >

      11. Theres absolutely no chance you will get Windows XP running on a Skylake platform….

        This unofficial upgrade path doesn't require an underlying Windows Licence… the 10130 Build is used for that…

      12. I've read that there are people who have managed to install XP on a Skylake motherboard, but not fully functional. I thought that a valid XP or Vista license from XP or Vista was necessary to use the 10130 build. That's why I intended to do the XP installation. So this means I can upgrade to windows 10 from Windows XP or Vista without a key? How can I do this upgrade to Windows 10, if I just have an official key of Windows XP x86? Any suggestion?

        2016-06-11 10:18 GMT+01:00 The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide :

        > philipyip commented: "Theres absolutely no chance you will get Windows XP > running on a Skylake platform…. This unofficial upgrade path doesn't > require an underlying Windows Licence… the 10130 Build is used for > that…" >

      13. As I mention in this guide Windows 10130 was the last Insider Preview to activate with a generic product key. This means that you can use the free upgrade from it without a base Windows OS license. I recommend this guide for those on Windows XP and Windows Vista as they have paid for Windows in the past (hence the title of the guide) but it should work in your scenario also.

        There is no sense in installing Windows XP on your Skylake motherboard especially when your end goal is to get Windows 10.

        Even if you wanted Windows XP you are in the situation where your hardware is too good for Windows XP and you will get superior performance virtualising it.

  133. Thank you very much for posting these detailed instructions. I have been able to upgrade an Acer laptop running Windows Vista Basic to Windows 10 Professional!

    Matt.

  134. Just did this over the weekend on a Vista computer and so far so good!
    I got scared for a bit because none of the ISO's for the full Windows 10 were working for me but turns out it was the flash drive I was using. So I put it on the first flash drive I used to install the insider preview since I knew that worked and now I have Windows 10 pro with a product key!

    Thank you so much!

    1. Nice to hear, what model?

      P.S. you don't have a product key but your device is a Windows 10 Pro Device, Windows 10 Pro can be clean installed by skipping the product key and the Device will automatically reactivate when online.

      1. Dell Inspiron 531S. Added RAM from 2gb to 4gb. Windows 10 runs way faster and smoother than Vista ever has!

        And yea I just meant whatever key it automatically gave me after I reconnected to the Internet.

        My only issue I've had with it so far is I need to find a display driver to support my 1366×768 tv that I use as a monitor lol

      2. Right click the start button and select Device Manager. Expand Display Adapters and if you have something like "Microsoft Basic Display Driver". Right click it an select properties. The select the Details Tab. Under Property select Hardware IDs and provide the values listed. Repeat for any unknown devices in the device manager.

        That is a Late Windows Vista system meaning it should run Windows 10 very well. Microsoft made some improvements since Windows Vista 😉

      3. Got it figured out! Dell made it really difficult to figure out what display card it uses on this computer but I got the correct driver installed and now I have a glorious 16:9 display

  135. 10130 64bit iso freeze / froze at the blue window screen (no spinning dots) on dell xps 420. grabbed 32bit and seems to be working now. this seems like a common problem for some computers with older cpu, freezing at the blue logo black window splash with nothing happening. i think i read (on only a single forum post) that the installer uses a cpu instruction that isnt available on this particular pentium4 D (old dual core).

    pretty lame that microsoft STILL cant have an installer that doesnt lock up (and lock up without providing a way to even get an error message) lol. this is one of the reasons that i moved to linux and open source software.

    argh, popup telling me its a dev build somehow disabled focus for my keyboard only access. had to plug in a mouse to be able to type in a username.

    obviously i cannot run a 64bit setup.exe on a 32bit windows 10. so i am downloading the 32bit 1511. and again, 64bit 1511 fails to get past blue windows splash screen (when booting from usb) so there goes the idea of using 64bit to update a 32bit install on this old cpu that lacks the correct cpu instruction .

    got 32bit 1511 , everything is peachy. much thanks to you. thanks for the detailed writeup with screenshots and bioses. made this a real breeze. i give you an A+.

    i installed w10 just to play a game and so i could learn the new changes for repair work. microsoft takes one step forwards and like 20 backwards each upgrade.

  136. hi Philip,
    After installing Windows Insider Build 10130 and manually inputting the product key through command prompt i get the following error

    "Error :0xC004E16 On a Computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a
    0xC004E16. Now what should I do… Plz help.. My laptop is Dell Inspiron 1720.

    1. You likely connected to the internet before disabling the setting to disable the automatic update of the date…

      You will need to start over changing the date in the BIOS and installing 10130 offline (no ethernet or wireless). Then disable the automatic change of date. Then input the key via the command prompt. Then connect online and then connect to the internet… The order which you do this is very important.

  137. Hi Philip, Thanks for the detailed tutorial on installing windows 10. I have Vista Ultimate installed on my machine would like to get windows 10 on it. I downloaded the both iso files, used rufus to create bootable usb for the second file (TH2) without a hitch but TH1 file is giving me trouble, rufus gets stuck at creating file system step for over an hour and refuse to move. Then I had the machine restarted and burnt iso on to a dvd and tried installing it by following your procedure to the T, installation stops at 25% and complaining some missing files and aborted the procedure. can you please suggest me any other method to complete this installation?

    1. You only need to go from 10130 → TH2 10586 and don't need to go from 10130 → TH1 10240 → TH2 10586…

      I assume you mean the 10130 Insider Preview .iso, not TH1 10240. It sounds like the 10130 .iso you have downloaded is incomplete… Try using the 32 Bit versions… If they work once you have made your system a Windows 10 Device you can clean install Windows 10 TH2 Pro 64 Bit without entry of a product key.

  138. Hi philipyip, I have a
    Dell Latitude E6500
    Intel Core Duo CPU T9600 @ 2.80 GHz, 2.80 GHz,
    Memory RAM 2.00 GB
    32-Bit operating system
    NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M
    with Windows 7 Enterprise (it was bought at his college but not used there anymore)
    The product ID has 20 digits

    I would like to upgrade it to Windows 10 for my home use. Is it possible? If so, which will be the option I would have to choose to upgrade?

    Also I would like to know if it is compatible with 64-Bit. How can I check? At device manager it says it is a ACPI x86-based PC.

    Could you please help me?
    Thank you,
    Begona

    1. Yes its 64 Bit compatible:
      http://ark.intel.com/products/35563/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-T9600-6M-Cache-2_80-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB
      It could do with some more RAM though:
      http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Crucial-4GB-2x2GB-PC2-6400-PC6400-DDR2-800-MHZ-laptop-memory-SO-DIMM-200pin-ram-/182180816263?hash=item2a6ad2a587:g:0XsAAOSwq19XDPy6

      It should have a Windows COA under the battery. If its a Windows 7 COA you can directly clean Windows 10 TH2 using the product key. If its a Windows Vista COA follow this guide…

      1. Philipyip thanks for the quick reply.
        It doesn't have any COA under the battery. It just has a sticker with the Dell service tag and express service code under the laptop.
        It was bought to Dell through my son's College and they handed it to him with the intranet from the College installed as well as with Windows 7 Enterprise (I don't know much about this, as you can see). I suppose the College had an agreement with Dell for the computers bought through them. I only have a Product ID of 20 digits when I check in the System.
        The reason we bought the computer through the College is because they would install the intranet and in case of any problems they would repair it and replace it meanwhile with another pc.

        Knowing this, do you think I still will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 and if affirmative, how?

        Thanks,

  139. Dear Philip, I have 4 identical Dell optiplex 330 and I used 1 of them to do all the operations: I followed successfully your guide "win xp -> win10" with win10 activated, then I clean Installed WIN10 successfully with windows activated, then I cloned the ssdd and Installed in all the identical DELL OPTIPLEX 330…. and now I have WIN10 non activated :(. Is It because the pcs are not the ones I used to the upgrade?
    Or it's just because windows woke up and deactivate the default serial codes?
    Is there something that I can do?
    Thank you in advance.

    1. You must carry out the 10130 and upgrade install on each system to individually register their hardware profile with a Microsoft Product Activation server and make them Windows 10 Pro Devices. Once they are Windows 10 Pro Devices you can load your image on them. I done this with 5-6 OptiPlex 755's.

      1. Ok so to "fix" my situation, I can use a new ssd to follow all the procedures on each computer until the end making them WIN10 Pro Devices and then insert back my "ready" ssd with win10 and register again with the default code?

      2. Yes you can use the new SSD to perform the installs and make them all Windows 10 Pro Devices… After that your image should be activated upon first connection to the internet (no need for product keys).

      3. Hi Philip, I used the new SSD to perform the installs and make them all Windows 10 Pro Devices successfully. After that I connected my "already installed win10 ssds" but they still continue to need the win10 activation. I tryed to insert the "generic" serial but it is not accepted. It's strange because if I put one of them on the pc used to for the first installation, they still remain waiting the activation… They all where activated and now they all are "deactivated". What do you think?

      4. Try to just leave them for an hour or so… they should automatically reactivate online as they are already Windows 10 Pro Devices.

      5. That was exactly what happens! I leave it and after an hour they was activated! 🙂
        thank you very much for your precious help!!
        The last question: I can't connect them each other to share printers and files…
        Do you think it's because they are clone of each others? (I modified each IP to go to internet)
        Or there is any win10 bug?

      6. I've not tried too much printer sharing etc however try to change the computer names so they are all unique.

  140. Hi Philip thanks for the guide. I have a quick question, I currently only have a 4gb usb and a 8gb usb handy. Do you think that will work? if so which file should I put the 4gb one. Or should I just shop another 8gb usb? Really want to get everything done today. Thanks

      1. Thanks for the quick response. I have another question. Can I turn "set time automatically" and "set time zone automatically" back on after the installation? Also can I run the updates afterward? Thanks

      2. After you upgrade to Windows 10 TH2 this setting will be automatically turned back on but Windows 10 TH2 will be activated. Also it will automatically update.

  141. Hey Phillip. Thanks for the guide but I have messed up somewhere and need some help. There are 3 files in the google drive link for the 10130 iso. I downloaded all 3, created a bootable USB and all went well. I then downloaded the 64 bit 10586 iso and created a bootable USB. When I plug it in and double click setup, I get a message saying "This app can't run on your PC". Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

    1. The files are a Dell Windows 7 Ultimate .iso (not needed), a Windows 10130 Insider Preview 32 Bit .iso and a Windows Insider 10130 Insider Preview 64 Bit .iso.

      The file sizes of the 32 Bit and 64 Bit Insider Preview .isos are listed. You must use the 10130 32 Bit .iso and the 10586 32 Bit .iso or alternatively the 10130 64 Bit .iso and the 10586 64 .iso. i.e. you cannot cross architecture otherwise you will get the error message "This App can't run on your PC".

  142. Thanks Phillip!! It worked!! One more question and I will leave you alone…Toward the end of your guide you talk about doing a clean install of Windows 10 Pro by skipping product key, etc. Do you recommend a clean install or is it ok not do a clean install?? Thanks again! My computer literacy is fairly average but I was able to do this with your help.

    1. I always recommend doing a clean install… however there is little sense in you bothering with a clean install of Windows 10 TH2 just now. I would instead recommend using the computer as is until the 2nd of August. On the 2nd-3rd of August the new Windows 10 RS1 .iso will be available to download and you'll get much more out with a clean install if you use the new RS1 .iso.

      1. Hi Philip, at 9:27 pm CT I finished to install a Gateway GT3231m with Core2 duo E4500@2.2GHz, 2 MB of memory and a 80GB WD HD, the full process was:
        1 – A low level format for the HD
        2 – Change the system time to 09/09/2015
        3 – Install the W10 Ver 10130 provided by your links
        4 – change to off adjust time ( Win -> Conf -> Time ->Adjust Time -> Off
        5 – at the command prompt in administrator mode slmgr /ipk …
        6 – connect the lan after the successful message
        7 – slmgr /ato
        8 – exit (after 5 minutes and the successfull message again )
        9 – install w10 ver 1511 comp 10586.164
        10 – download and execute the creation tools from https://www.microsoft.com/es-mx/software-download/windows10
        11 – restart
        12 made a clean reinstallation ( at this point the data was Ver1511 comp 10586.494)
        13 update windows from https://www.microsoft.com/es-mx/software-download/windows10
        14 restart again, the final data displayed by winver was:
        Windows 10 version 1607 comp 14393.10

        Regards

      2. I started doing a low level format and instaling the compilation 10130, after instaling the ver 1511 comp 10856.164 , upgrade to 10586.494 and a new upgrade to version 1607 compilation 14393.10 Finishing at 9:30 PM central time, the machine is an HP MS210la.
        Regards

  143. Hi.

    Guide became outdated.
    Few days ago I've downloaded TH2 and it gave me different files:

    MD5 (Downloads/Win10_1511_2_English_x32.iso) = 91565f54dc7a4e1df8a5f2b913d869b1
    MD5 (Downloads/Win10_1511_2_English_x64.iso) = 3ca03a2c59ae5b58ca965a345d4f2ae1

    Those installers wants to just overwrite 10130 build completely, they are not updating in place like in guide. And today Techbench site is no longer there.

    Can someone please link to 10586 build?

  144. Hi Philip,
    I am using a HP14-r018la, HP MS210la, Gateway GT3231m, Lenovo IdeaPad S100, Dell Dimension D530, Dell Presicion 9600 and a "hand-made" gigabyte GA-945GCM-S2C ( Core2 Duo @3 GHz, 4 MB ram,). This one is updating right now with the Windows10Upgrade9252.exe application. I start from scratch burning the en_windows_10_pro_10130_x64 DVD and a copy of 10586 th2 from https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/techbench in a stick ( this mobo do not boot from USB sticks). and all is fine at 1:30 am Aug 04, 2016.

    Regards

  145. please escuse a little mistake, Dell Dimension 9200 and latitude D530 (not Dimension D530 and Presicion 9600)

  146. What a nice thing to do, especially for we old geeks, with older systems who didn't have time or care to play guinea pig during the past year or so. It's a great kindness you provided the links to download the ISO's. I came from days of Unix, then began tinkering with W3, '95, '98SE, Me, 2000, WXP, Vista and W7, and the testing never really ends. Your guide is well thought out and applied, far preferable to the information that I spent hours trasing through back in the day in other forums. This info has convinced me to try the installation on my 2007 HP laptop, an AMD dual core, and a T1055 desktop rig I built to test and toy with in spare time. Both still run W7Ult x64 without skipping a beat. The current build on my 8350, was upgraded to W10 despite my best efforts and against my wishes (surprise). I have an image to return to if it doesn't pan out; it proven wonky at times. I've turned off most of the telemetry, including the other systems, which hasn't kept them from running as they should. Since last month when the final build came online, I've gving 10Pro a hard run, but haven't seen anything to convince me that on a regular desktop, W10Pro has much if anything over W7x64:) Thank you sir, and keep up the good work!

  147. So to be clear, after the steps with 10130 and RS1 are successfully complete, Win 10 can be installed on the system in question at any point due to the hardware signature being registered with MS servers?

    1. After you have performed this upgrade path at least once and a Pro build after 10240 is activated; Windows 10 Pro can be clean installed without a Product Key and will automatically reactivate when online.

  148. I have a question, am I supposed to remove the first USB at a certain point, or am I able to leave both USB's in the PC?

    1. Its better to only have one USB at a time, it'll save mix-ups e.g. booting to the wrong USB during the initial installation.

      1. An Hp dv4 entertainment computer running Windows Vista. Another question, can I burn and boot it from a disk or blank dvd?

      2. You can use the Optical Drive for the two .iso files. Burn DVD copies of each .iso twice in case you DVD gets corrupted… I prefer Bootable USBs as its faster and tends to be more reliable.

      3. A HP pavilion dv4 notebook PC running Windows Vista. Another question, can you use a disk or dvd instead of usb?

  149. Thanks again for this excellent, easy to follow guide. I have now also upgraded a Dell Optiplex 360 to Windows 10 Pro x64. I also upgraded the RAM to 3GB and added an SSD and everything seems to be working OK. Drivers for all the hardware were built into Windows 10 (this model had an ATI graphics card fitted) but the speaker built into the tower would not work at first. Thanks to a very useful post on the Dell forums (http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3513/t/19431054) I found that the audio drivers for Windows 7 x64 designed for an Optiplex 960 worked fine. I hope this upgrade method continues to work!

    1. Great! That machine should perform fine the OptiPlex 360/760/960 share the same audio driver so its actually the official Dell Windows 7 64 Bit driver for the OptiPlex 360. 🙂

  150. hi Philip
    many thanks for this great post ! very clever and professional 🙂
    I upgraded today a DELL Studio 1737 laptop (Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26 GHz, 4 GB RAM) from Vista 32 bits, and EVERYTHING went well as expected through your post ! I burned DVDs instead of using USB keys, only difference with your process.
    Windows 10 Pro is effectively activated.
    Now I need to try on some Acer laptops to upgrade from Win7…
    Many thx again !
    Philippe

      1. hi Philip
        I struggled a bit with my DELL Studio 1737 on W10 RS1 to fix 2 driver issues, and this could be of interest for your readers:
        – SD card reader not recognized by W10 (unknown device in Device Manager): need to install a Ricoh driver, easy to find on the web (for device id PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0822&SUBSYS_02A01028&REV_22)
        – Bluetooth Minicard 370: more difficult, but endly found… on your blog 🙂 (/dell-wireless-cards) the right drivers, but need a further trick to succeed: need to extract first the files and then run the setup manually, instead of running the compressed package, or you get a successful installation message, but the BT card cannot be started, missing entries in registry
        So now my DELL is COMPLETELY working on W10 RS1, and the user experience has never been so nice until now, with a much faster machine thanks to 64 bits mode and 4 GB fully used
        Definitely lots of thx Philip !
        my best regards,
        Philippe

  151. Hi Phil, Took a HP Dual Core E7200 4GB Ram , Asus IPI-BL Mother Board through to Win 10 Pro Japanese last night, August 21st 2016, using your guide again! Knife through soft butter Sir! No issues at all! Thanks again from Tokyo! It was trying to push Windows 7 around and it is noticeably snappier pushing Windows 10 even with the same 200GB 3Gbps Sata HDD. An upgrade to any SSD soon should put the smile back on my sons face! Once again thanks for all the effort you put in to this professional guide it is much appreciated here!

  152. No longer working,. Error code 0x80072f8f which is time/date related certificate related, could this be the end?

  153. Hi Philip, I have just performed the first installation on a Dell D630. It will not activate the license, instead receiving error 0x80072F8F. I am online and can access the internet. Any thoughts on how to fix this or can I proceed with the second install? Thanks, Damian

    1. You can't proceed with the Upgrade Install unless build 10130 is activated. I'll need to make a new VM to test the 10130 activation. I'll try it at some point over the weekend.

    2. I get the same results. Looks like Microsoft have perhaps patched the activation server to stop activating build 10130.

  154. Not working any more, error 0x80072f8f. Date and time is not with in the period of the certificate…could this be the end?

  155. not working for me any more(have done several) error 0x80072f8f date & time is not within the period of the cetificate…. could this be the end? i have unchecked the cert check in the security tab of internet options to no avail, any suggestions?

    1. I get the same results. Looks like Microsoft have perhaps patched the activation server to stop activating build 10130.

  156. Funny, on 4 PCs worked just fine, on a Lenovo B71-80 , Window 10 Error Code 0x80072f8f …

    any idea?

    Thanks

    1. I get the same results. Looks like Microsoft have perhaps patched the activation server to stop activating build 10130.

  157. I had a vista machine that had been resold with a refurbisher product key (win 7)that I had installed with windows 10 a long time ago(one of the 1st pcs I upgraded with since it came with no hard drive) I used the windows 7 key from this pc to install Windows 10 pro on the machine that failed to install (after the 26th) and it activated successfully, I then did a clean install without entering a product key. And it is now still activated as is the old pc that used the refurbishment key originally, this has got me thinking, when we upgrade our machines, it's unique identifyer registers with Microsoft the digital entitlement to windows 10 be that pro or home etc, it does not seem to record the key to a single pc as was in win7, this still means all you need is any windows 7 key to initialy install Windows 10(do a clean install without entering the key afterwards as they key may be stored in system somewhere) this will of course only still work while Microsoft let's us use win7/win8 keys to upgrade manually with a bootable image since the upgrade tool no longer functions,this is only a theory, I would welcome any comments

    1. You are delving into grey areas here…

      Technically Manufactured Refurbished OEM keys are OEM keys and they should forever be tied to the motherboard they are first installed on.

      The Upgrade "should" be sensible enough to detect the Windows 7 OEM key used for the free upgrade. Clean installation should also pickup that its an OEM key already used on other hardware and reject activation… I suspect however it doesn't acknowledge the actual key when an initial Upgrade Install is used… so a Windows 7 OEM key can technically be used for 2 upgrades… The 2nd system of course being incorrectly licensed but it may technically work.

      My guides focus far more on clean installs however and I'm not a great fan of upgrade installs. Also I don't plan on buying any more hardware to check this theory out.

      I know however for actual Windows 7 OEM systems that the factory settings use a generic key and activate with OEM SLP activation. Technically it means the unique 25 digit OEM key is still available for a free upgrade on another system. However the COA is OEM and as mentioned before should not be removed from the original system and transferred.

      1. The refurbishment key was not OEM in this case (does not state on the label as it does on a dell which does have the OEM on the refurbishment label) perhaps it's a generic keys used to upgrade a batch of computers?

      2. The Refurbisher licenses are a subset of OEM licenses with the Refurbisher acting as essentially a "second OEM". They are not designed for direct end users but for a Refurbisher ("second OEM") to preinstall on a system and sell to the end user.

        The Refurbisher is responsible for support of both the hardware and software instead of the original OEM… and as the Refurbisher can only support the hardware they Refurbished… the licenses are also non-transferable… exactly like the standard OEM license.

  158. I have both machines on-line at the same time, both actived. Is there any way to confirm activation? The wga tool does not support windows 10

      1. Hi Philipyip What a pity that free upgrade from XP/Vista to Windows 10 has finished. But I would like to ask you: can someone who have a XP/Vista pc, install Windows 10 through the Windows Insider program, activate the windows and then leave the Insider Program but remaining with Windows 10 activated? I ask this because I have read that a user made a clean install build 10162, then upgraded to RTM 10240, after that he disable Insider Builds but windows remained activated. Is this still possible? Sorry for the question but I'm not a guru in this matter like you. 🙂 I give you the link:

        http://www.askvg.com/how-to-leave-windows-insider-program/

        2016-08-29 22:13 GMT+01:00 The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide :

        > philipyip commented: "If it says Product Activated in system it should > work despite one machine being correctly licensed." >

      2. Gabe Aul Microsoft's former spokesman for the Windows Insider Programme left some contradictory and wrong information.

        The 10130 Insider Preview Upgrade path did not require a Microsoft Account or for one to be a Windows Insider. It worked as a way of getting Windows 10 Pro for free regardless if one was a Windows Insider or not. If a Windows Vista (or XP) Device was made a Windows 10 Pro Device via the 10130 Insider Preview Upgrade path then its hardware profile is registered and stored with a Microsoft Product Activation server. One can directly clean install Windows 10 Pro RS1 without a product key and it'll reactivate when online. See my main guide for more details:
        http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

  159. Hello. I'm trying to salvage a Dell Inspiron e1505 with a T7200 cpu currently running Windows XP. Based on your guides it seems I can take one of two paths to upgrade to Windows 10; 1) find/ download Windows 7 or 8 and try to upgrade via the Windows accessibility site, or 2) purchase/ download Windows 10. Is this correct?

    1. The 10130 Upgrade path is now over.

      You need a Retail Windows 7, Windows 8.0 or Windows 10 key… Once you have the key you can clean install Windows 10 RS1 with it. Note the cost of a full retail license is not worthwhile, that laptop is 10 years old now. It might be more economic to buy a second hand Latitude E Series laptop with a Windows 7 OEM License (that can be taken to Windows 10).

  160. Hey,

    Thanks for the very detailed guide, I tried it with my old dell and windows vista.
    But kept getting te same error when trying to activate windows 10130 (you said in the guide to wait longer but I think the activation servers must be dead by now . Waited over 2 hours in between ). Too bad, it would've been a nice upgrade 🙂

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