If I replace everything except the hard drive can I keep the os

[CooperMyers]

Basically trying to replace everything except my 2 tb hard drive from a 2013 pc. Does that save me the pain of having to buy an OS?  

[tp95112]

1 minute ago, CooperMyers said:

Basically trying to replace everything except my 2 tb hard drive from a 2013 pc. Does that save me the pain of having to buy an OS?  

You can get windows for 35 bucks on Kinguin. But depends on the version of windows you have installed. Oem is locked to the motherboard

[TechyAlex]

Why not just buy windows for $25?

 

But yeah, in theory, this will work!

[TechyAlex]

Just now, tp95112 said:

You can get windows for 35 bucks on Kinguin. But depends on the version of windows you have installed. Oem is locked to the motherboard

Forgot about that, you need to check that OP!

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, tp95112 said:

You can get windows for 35 bucks on Kinguin. But depends on the version of windows you have installed. Oem is locked to the motherboard

 

Just now, TechyAlex said:

Why not just buy windows for $25?

 

But yeah, in theory, this will work!

meh grey market keys, microsoft makes no money, just run it unactivated.

 

You can reuse the key from the old system.

[tp95112]

Just now, Electronics Wizardy said:

 

meh grey market keys, microsoft makes no money, just run it unactivated.

 

You can reuse the key from the old system.

 

I can careless if microsoft made money from windows tbh, they shoved it down enough throats already

[TechyAlex]

Just now, Electronics Wizardy said:

 

meh grey market keys, microsoft makes no money, just run it unactivated.

 

You can reuse the key from the old system.

If OP kept the key... It could've been prebuilt with windows already on, we don't know.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

3 minutes ago, CooperMyers said:

Basically trying to replace everything except my 2 tb hard drive from a 2013 pc. Does that save me the pain of having to buy an OS?  

If it's a retail version of Windows, then it should just transfer without a problem. If it's an OEM key (i.e. the system came with Windows installed when you purchased the system), then it will not activate. You can call up Microsoft and say that the old hardware died, they might be able to help you out.

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, TechyAlex said:

If OP kept the key... It could've been prebuilt with windows already on, we don't know.

even with prebuilts you still get the key on a sticker on the case.

[CooperMyers]

Just now, TechyAlex said:

If OP kept the key... It could've been prebuilt with windows already on, we don't know.

Prebuilt 

[TechyAlex]

2 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

even with prebuilts you still get the key on a sticker on the case.

Really? That doesn't match my experience. My grandmother bought a computer from best buy with me (she needed a laptop so unfortunately no building for me D:) and there was definitely no key.

[Electronics Wizardy]

13 minutes ago, TechyAlex said:

Really? That doesn't match my experience. My grandmother bought a computer from best buy with me (she needed a laptop so unfortunately no building for me D:) and there was definitely no key.

then its built into the computer, and windows will activate automatically when you install it, no key needed. It just uses the uuid of the hardware.

[Electronics Wizardy]

18 minutes ago, tp95112 said:

I can careless if microsoft made money from windows tbh, they shoved it down enough throats already

if you paying money for a product, you want your money to go to who makes it, not some random person. Its like buying a car someone stole. 

 

If you don't want to pay for it, just run it unactivated, or crack it.

[le_bman]

16 hours ago, CooperMyers said:

Basically trying to replace everything except my 2 tb hard drive from a 2013 pc. Does that save me the pain of having to buy an OS?  

You will need to reinstall Windows if you change the mobo. Otherwise I haven't had any issues changing any of my components and I haven't payed for a second license.