Upgrading CPU and GPU with current Windows 10

[Sovek]

Ok, so I'm looking to save a buck or two and upgrade my 1155 platform from the terrible i3 2100 to a 2500 or 2600 as this MIGHT allow me to not have to buy windows 10. yay.

 

So I pulled a 25 digit/letter key from Speccy which states it as my serial number for windows 10. The plan is to get an SSD and install W10 from a DVD disc I just made. If I can then run World of Warships without it stuttering on me after more than one battle, I know my problems were in the HDD/Windows installation.

 

if I just upgrade the CPU and then later the GPU, without a change in the MB/RAM, could that cause a need for me to re-activate windows?

[2dfx]

Technically you shouldn't.  The activation is based on your machine's UUID, which as I recall is a function of your motherboard.

[MoonlightSylv]

First download ProduKey: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html and write down the Product Key for Windows or put it on your phone, then type it in when you reinstall Windows, if it doesn't activate continue installing without the Product key. 

 

If it activated, you're good, if it didn't use the "Contact support" app in Windows 10 and tell them whats going on and they should get it fixed.

 

That's how I did it and it worked fine.

[Sovek]

13 minutes ago, ShadowTechXTS said:

First download ProduKey: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html and write down the Product Key for Windows or put it on your phone, then type it in when you reinstall Windows, if it doesn't activate continue installing without the Product key. 

 

If it activated, you're good, if it didn't use the "Contact support" app in Windows 10 and tell them whats going on and they should get it fixed.

 

That's how I did it and it worked fine.

Yeah, that shows a different key that what SPECCY came up with. however a second key puller verified ProduKey.

 

So as long as I dont change the MB, I should be fine. sounds good.

[MoonlightSylv]

2 minutes ago, Sovek said:

So as long as I dont change the MB, I should be fine. sounds good.

Yeah you should be fine.

[LogicalDrm]

Windows activation doesn't care if you switch CPU or GPU. BIOS will care about CPU change and might require to clear CMOS. Drivers care if you switch GPU.

[Krzych]

You won't have any issues after changing CPU or GPU, I did both recently without issues. However, if you change motherboard, system will deactivate and you will have to activate it again. But it will probably show that "this code is used on other computer" like it was in my case and you will have to call Microsoft support for new code. They will send you one within 24 hours on e-mail. You will have to give them your name, surname and phone number.