What I would do is first try backing up the driver store.

navigate to C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore then make a backup copy of the FileRepository folder.

After doing that, proceed to perform a clean install:

Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.

	Step 1: How to download official Windows 10 ISO files 

	http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...



	Step 2: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

	http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

Review the following guide for instructions and details about configuring your BIOS or UEFI boot settings for DVD, CD, USB or SD Card.

a

BIOS/UEFI Setup Guide: Boot from a CD, DVD, USB Drive or SD Card

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/bios-uefi-setu...

Once your computer is set to boot from the DVD, you should see this option. If you are installing from a retail Windows 10 USB thumb drive, you will be asked to select either 32 or 64 bit Windows 10. Learn more here https://www.groovypost.com/howto/choose-windows...

The Windows logo will appear on screen, this might be here for a while, as long as you see the animating dots, everything should be ok.

Select your Language, Time and Keyboard method then click Next.

Click Install now

Windows 10 setup will prompt you for a product key during installation a couple times. If you originally upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 click the option 'I don't have a key' and 'Do this later' . If you have a Windows 10 product key, you can proceed to enter it.

Setup will also prompt you to select the edition you have a license for - Home or Pro. Please make sure you choose the right edition. If you choose the wrong edition, your only option will be to perform a clean install again.

The copy of Windows 10 you download and upgrade from will correspond with the edition of Windows you have installed, if it does not, this is why you might be experiencing problems activating:

Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 8.0 Core, Windows 8.1 Core should install Windows 10 Home 



Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8.0 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro should install Windows 10 Pro

Wait while setup prepares to copy files

Accept the license terms then click Next

Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

NOTE: Sometimes Windows 10 setup can become confused if it see's a thumb drive. You might get a driver missing error or something to that effect. If you do, restart setup, but this time, when you arrive at the following screen, disconnect your thumb drive then go through Custom options. When setup is ready copy files, it will prompt you to reconnect the installation source (your USB).

Select the drive then click New

NOTE: If you have multiple partitions listed, select each one (starting at the bottom), then click delete until there is only a single (one) unallocated drive displayed in the window.

Select the unallocated drive listed, click New, click Apply then OK

This will split the drive into multiple partitions, select the Primary partition then click Next.

NOTE: The System Reserved partition is where recovery files are kept for diagnostics and repairing damaged Windows 10 files; or even reinstall Windows 10.

Wait while Windows installs

When this phase of setup is complete, Windows will automatically restart then reboot into setup again.

Windows is detecting and installing your hardware. After this is complete, Windows will restart one last time.

Out of Box Experience

The Out of Box Experience page is where you get to configure detailed settings in Windows, which includes creating a user account, configure privacy, sync PC settings and install modern applications.

🌐
HP
support.hp.com › za-en › document › ish_3102863-2949936-16
HP PCs - Installing the latest version of Windows 10
Find support and customer service options to help with your HP products including the latest drivers and troubleshooting articles.
Top answer
1 of 5
17

What I would do is first try backing up the driver store.

navigate to C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore then make a backup copy of the FileRepository folder.

After doing that, proceed to perform a clean install:

Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.

	Step 1: How to download official Windows 10 ISO files 

	http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...



	Step 2: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

	http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

Review the following guide for instructions and details about configuring your BIOS or UEFI boot settings for DVD, CD, USB or SD Card.

a

BIOS/UEFI Setup Guide: Boot from a CD, DVD, USB Drive or SD Card

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/bios-uefi-setu...

Once your computer is set to boot from the DVD, you should see this option. If you are installing from a retail Windows 10 USB thumb drive, you will be asked to select either 32 or 64 bit Windows 10. Learn more here https://www.groovypost.com/howto/choose-windows...

The Windows logo will appear on screen, this might be here for a while, as long as you see the animating dots, everything should be ok.

Select your Language, Time and Keyboard method then click Next.

Click Install now

Windows 10 setup will prompt you for a product key during installation a couple times. If you originally upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 click the option 'I don't have a key' and 'Do this later' . If you have a Windows 10 product key, you can proceed to enter it.

Setup will also prompt you to select the edition you have a license for - Home or Pro. Please make sure you choose the right edition. If you choose the wrong edition, your only option will be to perform a clean install again.

The copy of Windows 10 you download and upgrade from will correspond with the edition of Windows you have installed, if it does not, this is why you might be experiencing problems activating:

Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 8.0 Core, Windows 8.1 Core should install Windows 10 Home 



Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8.0 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro should install Windows 10 Pro

Wait while setup prepares to copy files

Accept the license terms then click Next

Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

NOTE: Sometimes Windows 10 setup can become confused if it see's a thumb drive. You might get a driver missing error or something to that effect. If you do, restart setup, but this time, when you arrive at the following screen, disconnect your thumb drive then go through Custom options. When setup is ready copy files, it will prompt you to reconnect the installation source (your USB).

Select the drive then click New

NOTE: If you have multiple partitions listed, select each one (starting at the bottom), then click delete until there is only a single (one) unallocated drive displayed in the window.

Select the unallocated drive listed, click New, click Apply then OK

This will split the drive into multiple partitions, select the Primary partition then click Next.

NOTE: The System Reserved partition is where recovery files are kept for diagnostics and repairing damaged Windows 10 files; or even reinstall Windows 10.

Wait while Windows installs

When this phase of setup is complete, Windows will automatically restart then reboot into setup again.

Windows is detecting and installing your hardware. After this is complete, Windows will restart one last time.

Out of Box Experience

The Out of Box Experience page is where you get to configure detailed settings in Windows, which includes creating a user account, configure privacy, sync PC settings and install modern applications.

2 of 5
10

Hi,

I am Sumit, an Independent advisor and a Microsoft MVP here to help.

Yes, If you are currently running Windows 10 and you do a clean install you should have no problems with the drivers.

What I suggest is after a clean install, install HP Support assistant that would automatically install all the drivers.

Here is the driver page, if needed:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/selfservic...

🌐
HP
support.hp.com › bg-en › document › ish_7391783-7391763-16
HP PCs - Installing Windows 10
Find support and customer service options to help with your HP products including the latest drivers and troubleshooting articles.
🌐
CNET
download.cnet.com › hp-for-windows-10 › 3000-31713_4-77820117.html
HP for Windows 10 for Windows - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download
February 29, 2024 - Download HP for Windows 10 latest version for Windows free. HP for Windows 10 latest update: February 29, 2024
Rating: 5 ​ - ​ 1 votes
Top answer
1 of 1
15

Hi Andie. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

When you first Upgraded it assigned a permanent Digital License for the PC in Microsoft Activation servers so that you can reinstall Windows 10 at any time, skipping the Product Key during install, and it will reactivate afterwards when you connect to the internet and it phones home to find your hardware profile confirming the Digital License.

You can do the in-place Upgrade over the existing Windows by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m... choose Download Tool Now, install the tool, open it and choose Upgrade this PC Now. This will save your files and apps while bringing you up to the latest version by the most stable method. It will also bring all of your Updates current and solve most problems since it reinstalls Windows.

Or if you want a better install, since you already have a permanent Digital License, do the gold standard Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

To create bootable Windows 10 Installation Media (on another PC if necessary) install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions in the middle of the download page here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-hk/software-downlo...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key for your PC maker given in this chart: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, then on second screen choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, select the Unallocated Space, click Next to let it create and format the needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

🌐
HP Support Community
h30434.www3.hp.com › t5 › Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery › Windows-10-download › td-p › 6059280
Windows 10 download - HP Support Community - 6059280
July 9, 2019 - If I need to replace the HDD on my notebook where do I get the Windows 10 64 bit OS installation file to install on the new replacement HDD? ... You can order recovery media for your model from the link below. http://support.hp.com/us-en/mediaorder/HP-ENVY-m6-w100-x360-Convertible-PC/8499296/model/8901594/sof... You can also make your own plain W10 installation media by using the Media Creation Tool from the link below. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
🌐
Tom's Hardware Forum
forums.tomshardware.com › home › software › windows 10
Question - How to Download Win 10 latest version on HP Laptop | Tom's Hardware Forum
July 31, 2023 - If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows... ... I believe the best way to download Windows 10 would be their official media creation tool.
🌐
HP
support.hp.com › lv-en › document › ish_7391783-7391763-16
HP PCs - Installing Windows 10 | HP® Customer Support
Computers configured with Intel ... the Windows Upgrade tool. To install Windows 10 64-bit, purchase Windows 10 64-bit from Microsoft and perform a clean install of Windows 10 64-bit from the Microsoft download site. In some cases, HP might not provide compatible software and ...
Find elsewhere
🌐
HP
support.hp.com › us-en › drivers
Official HP® Drivers and Software Download | HP® Support
Please use a computer to download software and drivers. Already have an HP account? Select from the products you own. Sign in / Create an account ... A driver is a piece of software that connects your Windows operating system to hardware items that can be either internal to your device, or external - like a printer, graphics card, keyboard, webcam, etc.
🌐
HP Support Community
h30434.www3.hp.com › t5 › Notebook-Software-and-How-To-Questions › Where-to-download-Win-10-Pro-64-bit › td-p › 6555051
Solved: Where to download Win 10 Pro 64-bit - HP Support Community - 6555051
February 5, 2018 - Go to Solution. ... You can clean install W10 for free at any time by using the media creation tool at the link below. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10...
🌐
HP Support Community
h30434.www3.hp.com › t5 › Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery › download-hp-windows-10 › td-p › 8305216
Solved: download hp windows 10 - HP Support Community - 8305216
February 16, 2022 - Solved: Last 10 days back I brought hp laptop 15s-eq2334au. It comes with Windows 10 . but yesterday I manually download win 11 (hp cloud rrecovery - 8305216
🌐
HP Support Community
h30434.www3.hp.com › t5 › Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery › Download-HP-custom-Windows-10-iso › td-p › 7641722
Solved: Download HP custom Windows 10 iso - HP Support Community - 7641722
June 11, 2020 - If your PC is a 2016 model or newer, you should see if you can make a bootable USB recovery drive using the HP cloud recovery tool on a working PC. The recovery drive can then be used to install Win10 and the HP drivers and utilities that originally came with your PC.
🌐
Softonic
en.softonic.com › downloads › hp-drivers-for-windows-10 › 6
Download Hp Drivers For Windows 10 - Best Software & Apps | 6
Download Hp Drivers For Windows 10. Free and safe download. Download the latest version of the top software, games, programs and apps in 2025. (page 6)
🌐
HP
support.hp.com › us-en › help › windows-10-support-center
HP Support for Windows 11 & Windows 10: How to Upgrade & Fix Problems
If you want to download software and drivers for Windows 10 or Windows 11, then please visit our HP Support Software and Drivers page to get the latest drivers for your product.
🌐
Softonic
en.softonic.com › downloads › hp-laptop
Download Hp Laptop - Best Software & Apps
Download Hp Laptop. Free and safe download. Download the latest version of the top software, games, programs and apps in 2025.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/windowshelp › installing windows on hp laptop proves impossible.
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Installing windows on HP laptop proves impossible.
December 30, 2023 -

Born in 96, went through all types of windows and installed windows on 1000 different pcs, never had any issues, but today I’m defeated 😂. Need your help!

Just bought an HP Laptop FREEDOS, more exactly HP 15s-fq5039nq, Intel® Core™ i3-1215U up to 4.40 GHz, 15.6 FHD, 8GB, 512GB PCIe SSD, Intel UHD Graphics.

I used the windows media creation file to create a bootable USB with windows 10, however before being able to install it, I’m getting this error “A media driver your computer needs is missing”. After searching online, I found that I should install the Intel rapid storage technology driver. I tried several versions but none worked. I tried all fixes that I could find online with no success. I also tried Rufus, but my pc won’t see the bootable usb when I use it, no matter the bios settings. Any chance you guys could point me to the right driver I need to install for this laptop to be able to install windows? Attaching some images also

Would appreciate your support!

🌐
HP
support.hp.com › us-en › drivers › laptops
Hp
Download the latest drivers, software, firmware, and diagnostics for your HP products from the official HP Support website.
🌐
HP
hp.com › us-en › shop › vwa › laptops › opsy=Windows-10-Home,Windows-10-Pro
Laptop with Windows 10 | HP® Official Store
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