Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. You won’t be able to change your desktop background through the Settings app until you activate Windows 10, however. Now, things are much easier, since you can activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key. To install Windows 10 without a product key, click I Don’t Have a Product Key during the installation. Previously, Microsoft forced users to upgrade to Windows 10 before they could start fresh and do a clean install–which was annoyingly complicated and time-consuming. RELATED: Windows 10 is Out Today: Should You Upgrade? However, you can always install VLC to get DVD playback or use one of the more fully featured Windows Media Center alternatives.

Or, you may need to perform a clean install on a computer without an existing Windows system after installing a new hard drive. Of course, you’ll miss out on the good pre-installed apps, like the free DVD player program that comes with many PCs. This is particularly useful if you’ve purchased a new Windows 10 PC and it includes manufacturer-installed bloatware you don’t want.

Microsoft allows you to get an entirely fresh system by performing a clean install. The Windows 10 upgrade process drags old files, settings, and programs from your previous Windows system to your new one.

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