Upgrading from H81 to a z87 motherboard. New windows install?

[rgaither88]

I'm upgrading my main work computer. I'm currently running an i5 4670 on an H81 motherboard. The I/O is starting to go out (usb ports, lan port, etc.) so I purchased a refurbished z87 motherboard. I checked compatibility with my cpu and it should be fine. My question is, do I need to reinstall windows or drivers? Can I just swap out the motherboard and let Windows 10 do it's thing? Thanks for your help in advance.

[SenioRR]

Windows should just adjust itself as it's just the motherboard that's changing.

Obviously, a fresh install wouldn't hurt but understandably you probably don't fancy setting everything up again.

If the existing install doesn't work, then just do a fresh install.

[rgaither88]

3 minutes ago, SenioRR said:

Windows should just adjust itself as it's just the motherboard that's changing.

Obviously, a fresh install wouldn't hurt but understandably you probably don't fancy setting everything up again.

If the existing install doesn't work, then just do a fresh install.

thanks for your help

[TheDelphiDude]

If you have an OEM version of Windows, make sure its tied to your Microsoft account before changing hardware. A change of motherboard will most likely have Windows see it as another system requiring activating Windows again, which may fail due to limitations imposed by the OEM license.

[rgaither88]

On 7/23/2019 at 7:27 PM, TheDelphiDude said:

If you have an OEM version of Windows, make sure its tied to your Microsoft account before changing hardware. A change of motherboard will most likely have Windows see it as another system requiring activating Windows again, which may fail due to limitations imposed by the OEM license.

My friend who works in IT installed windows. Not sure if it's OEM or retail.