Any way to swap motherboards without having to reinstall Windows 8.1?

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Thornax22

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Before you ask, I've already looked on the internet for an answer, but my problem is different from every other problem I've read about so far, so let me explain myself. I plan on swapping out and replacing my motherboard, ram, and cpu, but I've ran into a bit of an issue.... I originally bought my computer pre-built, which came with Windows 8 pre-installed. I already upgraded my computer to heck, almost everything is different except for the motherboard and cpu. But now comes the time to upgrade those too. I would do a clean install, but I do not have the installation disc nor the installation key. (because the computer was pre-built.) From what I've read, it's possible to keep the same HDD when swapping motherboards without wiping anything, but that requires a product key to continue using Windows. So I've kinda been brought to a standstill here.

Any recommendations are very much appreciated.
 
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bicycle_repair_man
You don't need to reinstall Windows. All you need to do is reactivate Windows if it's an OEM version, which it will be. Chances are you can do this over the Internet without using the automated phone system or contacting Microsoft support, but there's no guarantee. The product key should be physically labelled on the PC.

Once you've changed the motherboard you should uninstall the original motherboard's drivers before installing the new ones. You can do this through Device Manager.
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luketexas

luketexas

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Hi. You will have to reinstall windows when you change your motherboard, but as far as the activation key goes you will have to contact Microsoft Activation Support online or via phone and have them reactivate your license key for your new hardware. You will find you current license key by right clicking in Computer and selecting Properties or Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System to view the key.
 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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You don't need to reinstall Windows. All you need to do is reactivate Windows if it's an OEM version, which it will be. Chances are you can do this over the Internet without using the automated phone system or contacting Microsoft support, but there's no guarantee. The product key should be physically labelled on the PC.

Once you've changed the motherboard you should uninstall the original motherboard's drivers before installing the new ones. You can do this through Device Manager.
 
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Thornax22

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I thought you had to uninstall all the drivers before swapping motherboards, because the new one installs some, but not all, drivers immediately after you boot the PC with the new motherboard. Also, are you talking about the product KEY, or ID? I don't see the key anywhere on, or in, my old computer case. (The one it originally came in)


 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Come to think of it, if you install the manufacturer's drivers then they will override the default ones that will be installed, so you can skip driver uninstallation.

All pre-built PCs should have a product key as the key is tied to the motherboard and is technically non-transferable.
 
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Thornax22

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Thanks. I think I found my Windows product key using 3rd party software. (That I immediately uninstalled afterwards btw. :p) When I swap the motherboards, and turn the PC on, will it ask me for a product key, then just continue working as usual? Also, how do I install the motherboard drivers if I won't be able to boot to the desktop after swapping motherboards until I install the drivers?
 
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Thornax22

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I have Windows 8.1, does that make any difference? Or will all this still work then? Also, are you messing with me? Because if the new motherboard's drivers aren't installed yet, it shouldn't be able to boot to the desktop. The new motherboard can't run off the old motherboard's drivers. My current motherboard is an HP motherboard with the LGA 1150 socket, I will be upgrading to an MSI motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket. Completely different motherboards, no similarities at all.
 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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When the PC boots to the desktop, Windows will automatically install whatever drivers it can. These drivers are universal ones that offer basic functionality and are stored in the OS or obtained via Windows Update. Once these drivers have been installed, you should install the manufacturer's drivers to unlock the full capability of the hardware.

Having Windows 8.1 makes no difference at all.
 
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Thornax22

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Okay, thank you for clarifying, I think I'm good now. Thank you for all the help!
 
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kilerzzz

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I have the same prob as him but mine is windows 10 OEM. 760GM P34FX is my current mobo. If I switch to an M5A99FX PRO R 2.0, could I do the exact same thing? Just install new mobo, let it boot, then when I am in windows, install the rest of the drivers (which will overwrite the old ones like you stated?).
 
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faridc

faridc

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My only one experience with swapping MoBo and re-installing retail Windows 8.1 was a nightmare!
I had to spend a lengthy amount of time with Microsoft support on the phone in order to re-activate Windows 8.1 on my new build.
If I remember correctly, there is a series of numbers generated by the new system you have to read to the support person then they activate your OS.
It's been a few years now and it's been such a hassle, I am ready to buy a brand new Windows 10 copy when I upgrade my MoBo.
 
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