Do i need a new windows product key to install windows again on a different drive?

[OlympianThanatos]

My friend is  having me install a new SSD into his laptop that he wants to move his OS onto as well as installing new RAM, but the thing is i don't have a spare windows 10 key and was wondering if there is a way to install windows onto this new drive without having to get a new windows product key. The os Version is Windows 10 and his laptop is an Alienware 17" R3. 

[Mr Technician]

He most likely has an OEM license so Windows 10 should be licensed automatically since it's still the same motherboard. That's what happened when I replaced the HDD in my laptop with an SSD (I didn't even need to enter the key manually).

[OlympianThanatos]

Just now, ThatFlashCat said:

He most likely has an OEM license so Windows 10 should be licensed automatically since it's still the same motherboard. That's what happened when I replaced the HDD in my laptop with an SSD (I didn't even need to enter the key manually).

Okay, if thats the case then how should i go about moving his OS to the new SSD? i have a USB ready with the windows 10 installation tool if need be

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

3 minutes ago, OlympianThanatos said:

My friend is  having me install a new SSD into his laptop that he wants to move his OS onto as well as installing new RAM, but the thing is i don't have a spare windows 10 key and was wondering if there is a way to install windows onto this new drive without having to get a new windows product key. The os Version is Windows 10 and his laptop is an Alienware 17" R3. 

As long as it's the same computer (i.e. in most cases, the same motherboard), you don't need to get a new license key. 

[cyanit]

just did that within the last few days, works flawless, the key is on the Mainboard.

Just install the same version and you´re good to go. 

BTW: A clean UEFI install is always a good idea if you´re moving and have the time to set it up again.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

1 minute ago, OlympianThanatos said:

Okay, if thats the case then how should i go about moving his OS to the new SSD? i have a USB ready with the windows 10 installation tool if need be

Just install Windows as normal and it should automatically activate if the machine doesn't have a Windows COA sticker on it. If it doesn't have the sticker, the license key is already "embedded" into the UEFI BIOS. If the machine does have a sticker, chances are you'll have to input the key manually and activate which is no big deal.   

[Mr Technician]

I would highly recommend doing a clean install (not cloning the HDD) so you simply need to remove the HDD, install the SSD in its place, and then boot to the usb win 10 installer and follow the instructions.

[cyanit]

So, just to sum it up, I would recommend a clean install too:

- select "UEFI [YOUR USB STICK NAME]" while booting from usb

- remember the Windows 10 type (Home/Pro) and choose that one during install

- click on "i don´t have a license key" and proceed, it will activate itself automatically

- install drivers (if windows didnt automatically)

- install the SSD´s software & activate "Momentum Cache" (or whatever its called on your SSD)!

- connect the old HDD via USB (adapter is super cheap) and copy the data

 

Congrats, you´re done

[Mr Technician]

4 minutes ago, cyanit said:

So, just to sum it up, I would recommend a clean install too:

- select "UEFI [YOUR USB STICK NAME]" while booting from usb

- remember the Windows 10 type (Home/Pro) and choose that one during install

- click on "i don´t have a license key" and proceed, it will activate itself automatically

- install drivers (if windows didnt automatically)

- install the SSD´s software & activate "Momentum Cache" (or whatever its called on your SSD)!

- connect the old HDD via USB (adapter is super cheap) and copy the data

 

Congrats, you´re done

Just make sure to only copy the necessary data (personal files and nothing related to programs or windows).

[seagate_surfer]

Your digital license can actually be linked to a Microsoft account, may be a good idea to have your friend attempt this before swapping out OS drives, just to be safe:

Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Add account >  enter login info

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change