Jump to content

Newer PC Builder* Moving Old PC parts to a new case - Reinstalling Windows

Wet Whoops
By Wet Whoops
in Troubleshooting
 Share
Go to solution Solved by CommanderAlex,
7 minutes ago, Wet Whoops said:

windows key/install is tied to the motherboard but I am unsure.

That is most likely the case here and if you have the Windows key activated on a Microsoft Account with the computer in question, it can be as simple as reauthenticating the hardware is the same before changing your hard drives. You should be able to reuse the same key that was activated with the motherboard before the drive removal and work 100%. 

 

I know on the Microsoft Account, they have an option to reactivate Windows 10 after hardware changes have been made. I will provide a link down below for you on that. 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-10-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

Posted

Hello all!

 

I am currently looking into moving parts from an old PC into a new case for a friend to use, but I am going to install new hard drives. I have a Windows boot drive but I am not sure if I can install windows using the original key, or if I need to purchase a new copy. I am using all of the same components minus the hard drives. At some point I thought I heard that a windows key/install is tied to the motherboard but I am unsure. Just figuring out the out of pocket cost.

 

Thank you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Solution
7 minutes ago, Wet Whoops said:

windows key/install is tied to the motherboard but I am unsure.

That is most likely the case here and if you have the Windows key activated on a Microsoft Account with the computer in question, it can be as simple as reauthenticating the hardware is the same before changing your hard drives. You should be able to reuse the same key that was activated with the motherboard before the drive removal and work 100%. 

 

I know on the Microsoft Account, they have an option to reactivate Windows 10 after hardware changes have been made. I will provide a link down below for you on that. 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-10-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

CPU Cooler Tier List  || Motherboard VRMs Tier List || Motherboard Beep & POST Codes || Graphics Card Tier List || PSU Tier List 

 

Main System Specifications: 

 

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X ||  CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 Air Cooler ||  RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB(4x8GB) DDR4-3600 CL18  ||  Mobo: ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero X570  ||  SSD: Samsung 970 EVO 1TB M.2-2280 Boot Drive/Some Games)  ||  HDD: 2X Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB(Game Drive)  ||  GPU: ASUS TUF Gaming RX 6900XT  ||  PSU: EVGA P2 1600W  ||  Case: Corsair 5000D Airflow  ||  Mouse: Logitech G502 Hero SE RGB  ||  Keyboard: Logitech G513 Carbon RGB with GX Blue Clicky Switches  ||  Mouse Pad: MAINGEAR ASSIST XL ||  Monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B 34" 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
29 minutes ago, Wet Whoops said:

I heard that a windows key/install is tied to the motherboard

Pre Windows 10 this was the case for OEM keys. Now you can link your OEM key to you MS account and move it to new hardware.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing Troubleshooting

×