What do I need to do with OS when upgrading MOBO+CPU?

[HNTRDVDSN]

So I'm thinking of upgrading my motherboard and CPU later this year (after Christmas probably) to an i5 6600k and a z170 motherboard. My current system is AMD. Do I need to do anything with the OS (reinstall etc.)? I've heard that I will lose my windows activation after replacing the motherboard, is there any way around this?

Thanks!

[Cereal5]

If you bought a retail version of windows, you might be able to get in conact with Microsoft support and see what can be done, but if you bought an OEM key, chances are you're SOL

[HNTRDVDSN]

Yes I have retail windows 10 pro.

Do you know if I can definitely get it back or should i set some money aside for another OS?

[tomaatvk]

recently I installed a new motherboard and CPU in my system (3770K+Z77->5820K+X99). My OS (windows 10 obtained by upgrading windows 7 home premium retail) still worked and didn't need to reinstalled. My windows license got deactivated but I simply entered the windows 7 license again which activated the install propperly again.

[WickedSick31]

If it is a retail version you should be fine. Worst case scenario you will have to activate again by phone if the automatic activation fails.

I have done this recently and all went smoothly, activated instantly when I used my retail Win 8 Pro key.

[kirashi]

On 10/12/2016 at 1:34 AM, HNTRDVDSN said:

Yes I have retail windows 10 pro.

Do you know if I can definitely get it back or should i set some money aside for another OS?

On 11/8/2016 at 7:08 AM, WickedSick31 said:

If it is a retail version you should be fine. Worst case scenario you will have to activate again by phone if the automatic activation fails.

I have done this recently and all went smoothly, activated instantly when I used my retail Win 8 Pro key.

If you have a retail key, you should be fine. It will either reactivate, or you'll need to phone the automated activation number.

Retail Windows Keys legally entitle the owner to move the key between different hardware configurations, so long as it's never on more machines than the license allows for, which is usually one (1) PC at a time.

If it gives you trouble activating, simply phone the activation number for your country, and follow the prompts.

Alternativly, mashing random numbers or telling the automated voice to "go to hell" (other more creative phrases work too) will connect you to a live agent.

 

Link to a list of Activation centre phone numbers by country:

http://www.urtech.ca/2014/07/solved-how-to-call-microsoft-on-the-phone-to-activate-your-windows-or-office-product/

Microsoft's information on activation:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/326851

[AlTech]

On ‎10‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 4:34 PM, HNTRDVDSN said:

Yes I have retail windows 10 pro.

Do you know if I can definitely get it back or should i set some money aside for another OS?

Retail version doesn't require re-activation to my knowledge.

[jasonycw]

On 12/10/2016 at 5:11 PM, tomaatvk said:

recently I installed a new motherboard and CPU in my system (3770K+Z77->5820K+X99). My OS (windows 10 obtained by upgrading windows 7 home premium retail) still worked and didn't need to reinstalled. My windows license got deactivated but I simply entered the windows 7 license again which activated the install propperly again.

I am going to upgrade to a new PC too in the coming week. Want to learn more about how you transfer your WIndows.

 

I am upgrading from 3570k+Z77 to 6700k+Z170 and I am going to move my SSD (with Windows 7 64-bit Enterprice) to that new PC(no reuse part except HDD and SSD).

 

How is your process for moving the OS to the new system? Just move the drive and it works? Do you need to uninstall old drivers first before moving to the new PC?

 

I do ask in another thread about this but seems everyone prefer reinstall OS