Installing Linux on laptop but saving the original windows key
Hi,
I want to install Linux on my laptop as the primary OS, but I do not want to dual boot. At the same time, I also do not want to permanently lose my Windows 11 Pro license in case I need to reinstall Windows later.
The laptop originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro and was later upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. However, the manufacturer never provided a separate Windows product key. I have also lost warranty support as the machine is a bit older.
My concern is this: if I completely wipe the drive and install Linux, will I still be able to reinstall and reactivate Windows 11 Pro in the future if needed?
From what I understand, newer systems may store the Windows license digitally in firmware/MS account activation servers, but I’m not sure how reliable that is once the partitions are erased.
Has anyone here done this successfully?
What is the safest way to preserve the ability to reinstall/reactivate Windows later before wiping the machine?
Thanks.