FAQ
TL;DR: Need to fix a stuck Windows 10 install without a disc? Use a USB drive (at least 8 GB); “A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.” Create media on another PC, boot, then repair or reinstall. Create installation media for Windows [Create installation media for Windows]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps users who can’t boot Windows 10 and have no repair disc quickly recover with vetted steps and tools.
Quick Facts
- USB requirement: Use a blank 8 GB+ flash drive created via Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. [*Create installation media for Windows*]
- Activation: If the same PC had Windows 10 before, skip the key during setup; it activates online on that hardware. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16981198]
- No install media? Create the USB from a second computer, then boot the broken PC from it. [Elektroda, daminek1234, post #16980355]
- Suspect hardware first: Check the disk’s surface/SMART before reinstalling to avoid repeated failures. [Elektroda, arkolesz, post #16980426]
- If asked for a product key, choose “I don’t have a key” and continue installation. [Elektroda, Matuzalem, post #16981560]
How do I recover Windows 10 if it’s stuck in an install loop and I have no repair disc?
Create Microsoft installation media on another PC, boot from USB, then choose Repair or reinstall the same edition you had. Install without entering a key; it will activate online on the same hardware. If repair fails, proceed with a clean install after backups. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16981198]
Can I make a Windows 10 installer on a different computer?
Yes. Prepare a USB or DVD on a second computer, then boot your problem PC from that media to repair or reinstall. This is the fastest path when your original system won’t boot. [Elektroda, daminek1234, post #16980355]
What should I check before reinstalling so the error doesn’t return?
Verify drive health first. Run a full surface/SMART check to catch bad sectors that can break installs. Replace a failing drive before you reinstall. “SMART alone can’t say everything—do a surface scan.” [Elektroda, arkolesz, post #16980516]
How do I check my disk’s SMART on another PC?
Connect the problem drive as a secondary disk to a working PC. Use CrystalDiskInfo to read SMART and share the report if needed. Avoid writing to the disk until you’ve backed up data. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16980492]
Windows setup is asking for a product key—what do I click?
Select the option “I don’t have a key” and continue installing. After setup, Windows will activate online if the hardware already has a digital entitlement. [Elektroda, Matuzalem, post #16981560]
Will my Windows 10 reactivate automatically after reinstall?
Yes, on the same hardware. Install the same Windows 10 edition, skip entering a key, and let online activation apply the hardware‑bound license. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16981198]
Which edition should I install to avoid activation issues?
Match the edition you previously used (e.g., Home vs. Pro) when creating or selecting the image. Installing a different edition can prevent activation until you reinstall with the correct one. [Create installation media for Windows]
The installer spins for hours—should I keep waiting or restart?
If you see endless spinning dots for hours, restart into USB media and attempt Repair, then reinstall if needed. Repeated restarts at the logo did not help in the reported case after roughly two hours. [Elektroda, Agrael_00001, post #16980349]
What’s WinPE by Sergey Strelec and how can it help?
It’s a bootable rescue environment. It lets you run tools like Macrium Reflect, Lazesoft Recovery Suite, BlueScreenView, and Tweaking.com Windows Repair for imaging, log review, and fixes when Windows won’t start. [Elektroda, wertee, post #19631406]
What is Macrium Reflect ReDeploy?
ReDeploy adjusts an existing Windows install so it boots on different hardware or a VM by injecting needed drivers, which helps when cloning won’t start on new machines. [Elektroda, wertee, post #19631406]
How do I create a Windows 10 USB the right way (3 steps)?
- Download and run the Media Creation Tool. 2. Pick Windows 10 and create a bootable USB (8 GB+). 3. Boot target PC from USB to Repair or Install. [Create installation media for Windows]
Edge case: Why did activation fail after a clean install?
You may have installed the wrong edition. Setup requires you to choose the edition tied to your license; the wrong pick forces another clean install to activate. [Microsoft Q&A, 2024]
I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 before. Will that digital license still work?
Yes. When reinstalling the same edition on the same hardware, skip the key. The digital license activates over the internet automatically. [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16981198]
Any quick performance tip during reinstall?
Use a USB 3.0 flash drive and port with an 8 GB+ stick created by Microsoft’s tool. Faster media shortens install time and reduces retry loops. [Create installation media for Windows]
What does SMART mean in disk checks?
SMART is Self‑Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Reading SMART with tools like CrystalDiskInfo helps detect reallocated sectors and pending failures before reinstalling. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16980492]