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Activating Windows OEM after total hardware switch

SomethingOrOtherThing
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Perhaps it's an obvious question - but I'll be switching to a totally different machine and I'm not 100% certain about how activation will work afterward. 

I use an OEM key that I got online a while back - so obviously I won't be able to easily re-active it.

 

So - after I move the OS SSD and the other storage drives - do I just get a new key and activate the windows installation using that one. Right? Of course has to be a 10 Pro key - to match the installed version. 

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Or you just log in with your Windows account into your current install, make the license a digital account attached license, login with said into your new system and tell Windows you changed your hardware (within the activation menu).

Or otherwise you can plug in your existing drives and do either:

1. what I said above

2. re activate with a new bought license.

 

Keep in mind sometimes Windows doesn't like being transferred to a new system because chipset drivers. If you're at all able to just to a clean install: do it.

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Just now, GoodBytes said:

You need to but a new license of Windows 10. Only Retail license allows PC transfer/complete upgrade.

Yup, i got that. Just want to be sure I'll be able to activate an existing installation - with a new key.

CPU R7 3800X    Motherboard Asus Prime X370 Pro  RAM  24GB Corsair LPX 3000 (at 2933Mhz)    GPU EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 XC3 SC  Case Phanteks Enthoo Pro M    

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u can just make a call to microsoft, explain ur situation and they should fix it, :) , all it takes is some time

 

u dont really need a new key if u call them up :) microsoft isnt too bitchy about a hardware change on a oem key :v

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Just now, Valkyrie Lenneth said:

u can just make a call to microsoft, explain ur situation and they should fix it, :) , all it takes is some time

I already did that once with this key and account. Not a complete hardware change, but Windows triggered a re-activation so I called them. Would rather not abuse this and then have my account flagged or something.

CPU R7 3800X    Motherboard Asus Prime X370 Pro  RAM  24GB Corsair LPX 3000 (at 2933Mhz)    GPU EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 XC3 SC  Case Phanteks Enthoo Pro M    

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6 minutes ago, FIXXX said:

I already did that once with this key and account. Not a complete hardware change, but Windows triggered a re-activation so I called them. Would rather not abuse this and then have my account flagged or something.

it shouldnt flag the account really, the worst they can do is just say no :) ( because of previous switch or so c: )

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3 minutes ago, FIXXX said:

I already did that once with this key and account. Not a complete hardware change, but Windows triggered a re-activation so I called them. Would rather not abuse this and then have my account flagged or something.

Then really your only option is to buy a new key if you don't want to go through the hassle. Just make sure you don't cheap out and buy a retail version over an OEM one.

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8 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Then really your only option is to buy a new key if you don't want to go through the hassle. Just make sure you don't cheap out and buy a retail version over an OEM one.

Windows 10 Pro retail costs $180 - $280.

I'd rather get a new key every 3-4 years when I upgrade for $25 - than buy that retail key. Cannot justify such a huge expense with the wages people get in my country.

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1 hour ago, FIXXX said:

Yup, i got that. Just want to be sure I'll be able to activate an existing installation - with a new key.

You can. But usually, when you change system, it is best to do a clean install. Windows 10 is a lot more reliable when hardware changes take places (before it just BSOD on you at startup unless the new computer is very close to the old one), but I to ensure the best experience, I would just clean install.

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1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

You can. But usually, when you change system, it is best to do a clean install. Windows 10 is a lot more reliable when hardware changes take places (before it just BSOD on you at startup unless the new computer is very close to the old one), but I to ensure the best experience, I would just clean install.

But I dun wannnnna :( So many config files, save files, settings, comfy stuff :(

But I'll make sure to do a full backup of the OS drive. Then activate and see for a while. 

CPU R7 3800X    Motherboard Asus Prime X370 Pro  RAM  24GB Corsair LPX 3000 (at 2933Mhz)    GPU EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 XC3 SC  Case Phanteks Enthoo Pro M    

Storage 1 x 1TB m.2 (Windows), 1x 500GB SSD (Linux Mint), 1x 4TB SSD (for data Samsung 870) PSU Corsair RM1000  Cooling deepcool ak620(? probably)

Synology NAS 2 x 8TB

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