I have a new one,
bought unused laptop.
There was Windows 10 already installed. (Quasi provided)
But I did not get a CD with Windows 10.
I would like to format the hard disk of the laptop completely soon.
Can I transfer the already installed Windows 10 to a USB stick and then simply install Windows 10 from the USB stick after formatting the laptop? Do I have to pay attention to something?
(And I have no key to activate it)
It may well be that the key in the BIOS quasi insisted. Has been around for a few years.
And how do you find it out?
You need not find out then, in such cases, Windows finds the key by itself, as far as I know. That's why it is anchored in the BIOS so you do not have to enter it. Of course it also has the advantage - at least for Microsoft - that the key can only be used on this computer, and then you can't use Windows on another computer.
You get the ISO here. https://www.microsoft.com/.../windows10
The license key you no longer need if Win 10 was already activated on the laptop, the activation was stored on MS servers. Only install appropriate Win 10 and skip key input.
If it's in the BIOS, would the key have to disappear if you remove the CMOS battery?
As far as I know, the key, as the basic data in the BIOS, stored firmly, probably flashed.
For PCs and laptops delivered with Windows 10, the key is permanently integrated in the BIOS / UEFI. Even if you remove the battery, the key is still there. He is firmly bound to the laptop.
To reinstall Windows 10, go to the Microsoft page and download the Media Creation Tool. So you can create a Windows 10 USB boot stick with which you can reinstall clean. You do not have to enter the key, it is automatically taken over by the BIOS / UEFI. In addition, Windows activation is also permanently stored in your Microsoft account. If you then log in again with his Microsoft account, Windows is automatically activated again.
