Moving HDD with Windows to another computer

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Joey Dachs

Joey Dachs

Reputable
Feb 8, 2015
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4,510
i currently own a pre-built PC, and i'm going to build a custom PC, so i was wondering wheter i'm able to reuse the OS or do i have to buy a new copy of WIndows?
 
Solution
J
If its an OEM version of Windows, NO you cannot move it to another computer. The license is only valid on the PC it was first installed on with an OEM Windows installation.

If it is not an OEM version of Windows, in other words you own the retail version, yes you can move it to another computer, however you will have to do a new fresh installation.

OEM or Retail or whatever, you cannot just move a drive with an installation of Windows from PC to PC, the drivers and registry will be set up for the PC it is installed on, if you move it to another PC, you will be very, very lucky to even get it to boot. And even if it does, and you get it working, it can be be buggy. New PC= new install.
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J

jitpublisher

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May 16, 2006
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If its an OEM version of Windows, NO you cannot move it to another computer. The license is only valid on the PC it was first installed on with an OEM Windows installation.

If it is not an OEM version of Windows, in other words you own the retail version, yes you can move it to another computer, however you will have to do a new fresh installation.

OEM or Retail or whatever, you cannot just move a drive with an installation of Windows from PC to PC, the drivers and registry will be set up for the PC it is installed on, if you move it to another PC, you will be very, very lucky to even get it to boot. And even if it does, and you get it working, it can be be buggy. New PC= new install.
 
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Joey Dachs

Joey Dachs

Reputable
Feb 8, 2015
15
0
4,510


i am able to find the product key in the control panel, but i don't have a disc with windows, because it was already installed on the PC when i got it. is there any way to move the HDD from my current pc to the new build, boot on the old HDD and run windows on it? . i will only be using the new computer (this is my first build btw)
 
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