Looking to get a new PC but I don't want to buy a new windows licence, windows is currently on an SSD in my PC. Can I move the SSD to the new computer? and if so, Can I use the windows licence already installed on that SSD? Still pretty new to PC building so sorry if its a dumb question
Is there a way to get windows on a new PC without buying a new windows licence?
- Thread starter Hugs__
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- Oct 15, 2014
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win 10 can be moved if you have it tied to a MS account and it is updated to the anniversary update.
the other versions depend on the key you have now and how you got it.
need to know more about the version and so on to offer more info. but simply putting the ssd into the new pc is VERY unlikely to work and if it does boot up (highly unlikely) will need all kinds of troubleshooting and fixing to be stable.
the other versions depend on the key you have now and how you got it.
need to know more about the version and so on to offer more info. but simply putting the ssd into the new pc is VERY unlikely to work and if it does boot up (highly unlikely) will need all kinds of troubleshooting and fixing to be stable.
Consumer Win8 licenses were good for up to 3 major hardware changes. I was able to successfully able to replace my CPU + Mobo and get Windows to boot and run just fine.
That said, Math Geek is totally correct in that it depends on your license/key, and that there are no guarantees that you can just transplant a drive, set it to boot, and get running. I would argue the chances are decent unless you're talking extremely significant hardware changes.
That said, Math Geek is totally correct in that it depends on your license/key, and that there are no guarantees that you can just transplant a drive, set it to boot, and get running. I would argue the chances are decent unless you're talking extremely significant hardware changes.
- Oct 15, 2014
- 18,026
- 2,337
- 101,590
i'd do a clean install to the ssd once the new build is done. always the best option. ensures no compatibility issues and so on from simply moving the ssd. format the ssd at install and give it a nice new one to start with.
once windows is running, the new anniversary update has an activation helper app that will connect to your MS account and do whatever it is that is done server side to move your license to the new build. that assumes it can be moved which is still very much unknown since it is such a new feature. not enough test subjects yet to know all the particulars. can only go by what MS has said and that is that it should be possible to move the win 10 license.
once windows is running, the new anniversary update has an activation helper app that will connect to your MS account and do whatever it is that is done server side to move your license to the new build. that assumes it can be moved which is still very much unknown since it is such a new feature. not enough test subjects yet to know all the particulars. can only go by what MS has said and that is that it should be possible to move the win 10 license.
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