I want to replace the factory 256GB SSD with a larger capacity one as soon as I receive my new laptop and figure the easiest way to go about it is just to do a fresh Windows install.
Is it just a matter of downloading the files from Microsoft onto a USB stick and booting from it? Is there anything else I should know/do? Will Windows find all the necessary drivers after the installation or do I need to download any drivers such as wireless beforehand and put them on the USB as well in order to get online to update the rest?
Will I need an activation key or will it activate automatically?
Thanks!
0
FAQ & Answers
to be 100% sure that the USB flash drive will boot on your laptop, follow this easy steps to create it:
1) download a windows 10 iso using Microsof tool and run it:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209
select windows 10 x64 version and choose to save it as iso file when prompted
2) download Rufus:
http://rufus.akeo.ie/?locale=en_US
plug your USB flash drive, run Rufus then:
select ISO image from the dropdown menu near "Create a bootable disk"
click on the little icon on the right and browse to the windows 10 downloaded iso file
as Partitions scheme select "GPT partition scheme for UEFI"
as File system select "FAT32"
click on Start
wait until it finish, then uplug your USB flash drive
3) backup all your personal data
4) Reboot to BIOS, pressing F2 at boot, then press F9 to load default and F10 to save and exit
5) plug your USB flash drive and at boot press F12 (if F12 doesn't work, see if it auto-recognise the USB flash drive or press F2 to enter BIOS and enable F12 boot menu under BOOT tab), choose the USB flash drive as bootable device
Drivers will be automatically downloaded and installed by windows 10 or in the worst case, can be downloaded from Acer support website:
https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support
the product key will be read and activated automatically, if prompted during installation you can skip the product key request.
So the wireless adapter drivers will be installed automatically during the Windows installation, without me needing to have an existing internet connection to go fetch them?
i think so, but i don't own your model.
to be 100% sure, i would download it from Acer support website and have it ready on an USB flash drive.
".... Is it just a matter of downloading the files from Microsoft onto a USB stick and booting from it? ..."
It does depend on what SSD hardware supplier you use !
Here is a collection of vids to install/activate one of those (suppliers') hardware, that I used successfully on a Win7 laptop platform just yesterday !!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZowO5CyUTg&t=0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e1ZzvTOuxI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unXF5cpWMpk
Presume you've reviewed ACER warranty, regards upgrade warnings ?
Recommend first running Win 'Start Fresh' tool to rid oneself of all the bloatware installed on a new laptop.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10startfresh
one of many (?) ref. http://www.computerworld.com/article/3077885/security/bloatware-on-acer-asus-lenovo-dell-and-hp-pcs-can-get-you-pwned-in-10-minutes.html
Good Luck
D'
He doesn't need the Start Fresh feature, since he will download a Vanilla Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft servers.
IronF' ;
You both have 'peeked-my-interest' mentioning ISO (usage).
Of course I've seen the file ext. for many yrs now, but their meaning and usage I've never looked into till today. So did a quick google search and came up with this seemingly comprehensive info page.
nite,
D'
p.s. Attached link in case there are any lurkers out there reading this thread who are equally going -- ISO ??
ref. https://www.lifewire.com/iso-file-2625923