Does the hdd hold the operating system?

[wolfacade]

I have a hdd that I used for an older computer that has windows 10. I was wondering if I installed that into the most recent pc I'm building, if it would transfer the information and potentially windows 10 into the new computer. Or would I have to buy a window 10 disc and install it.

[corrado33]

It depends. If you bought the retail version of windows 10, then you could possibly transfer it (by calling microsoft, it won't do it by itself.)

 

But if the windows 10 was from an OEM machine, nope, you'll have to buy a new license. 

 

Really you want to install windows fresh in a new computer anyway cause of drivers. 

[SupaKomputa]

You can get a cheap windows 10 key in the internet for only $10, if you cannot transfer the key to a new pc.

You cannot just plug an old windows disk to a new computer, it has to be adjusted to the new enviroment which is very long steps.

It would a lot quicker if you just start fresh.

[danomicar]

It's technically possible I suppose. I'm not sure if you would be able to run both drives on the same system simultaneously. 

[asand1]

Yes, you can. Windows 10 activation is attached to your Microsoft account, not the hardware. This was a new feature of W10 that previous versions did not do. W10 will also scan the hardware and download the proper drivers, although technically a fresh install would work better.