Keeping Windows from old build

[Rabo]

For my new build I used drives from my previous one since they were still in good condition. In doing this I understood that I was going to have to reinstall Windows since it was a new motherboard, but when I booted up the new PC for the first time I was surprised to find it booted into Windows with all of my old stuff and everything. Is there any problem with going ahead and just using this Windows install with new drivers and such, or should I go through the trouble of reinstalling? 

[NelizMastr]

Windows 8.1 and 10 can reconfigure for new hardware. Keep in mind, though, that if you didn't get a RETAIL key for Windows, you'll need to re-activate with a new key. You can't use W7 or 8 keys, though. Those only work in the installer.

[ProjectBox153]

While yes, it may work, you are probably going to run into driver issues down the road. I'd just reinstall Windows. It's not hard. 

[Rabo]

2 minutes ago, NelizMastr said:

Windows 8.1 and 10 can reconfigure for new hardware. Keep in mind, though, that if you didn't get a RETAIL key for Windows, you'll need to re-activate with a new key. You can't use W7 or 8 keys, though. Those only work in the installer.

The copy of Windows on my old build was originally 8 and later upgraded to 10, so I take it there isn't a safe way to reinstall with only an 8 key? I'm kicking myself now that I didn't ask my sister to get me one of the $20 Microsoft employee store Windows copies before her internship ended lol. 

[NelizMastr]

Just now, Rabo said:

The copy of Windows on my old build was originally 8 and later upgraded to 10, so I take it there isn't a safe way to reinstall with only an 8 key? I'm kicking myself now that I didn't ask my sister to get me one of the $20 Microsoft employee store Windows copies before her internship ended lol. 

You'll be able to use the 8 key if you reinstall. You can't activate that key in an existing installation as your hardware profile doesn't match for your current SID (security ID).

[Radium_Angel]

Advantage: You get to keep all your stuff, programs and installs.

Disadvantage: All the cruft comes with it.

 

And for the record, you can do this with Windows going back to Windows 98, it's just not as seamless as with later versions (swapping hardware)

My current Win7 disk has gone through 3 different systems.

[Rabo]

1 hour ago, NelizMastr said:

You'll be able to use the 8 key if you reinstall. You can't activate that key in an existing installation as your hardware profile doesn't match for your current SID (security ID).

Can anyone else confirm that I can successfully reinstall Windows 10 using a Windows 10 product key on a new motherboard? I want to be sure before I proceed. 

 

EDIT: Microsoft confirmed for me. Thanks for the help everyone