Will I need to buy a new copy of windows 10 when I replace my motherboard?

picklesm8 · Sep 3, 2016

I want to replace my motherboard but I'm not sure if I need to buy a new copy of Windows 10, some sites I've looked at have said yes and some no and I was wondering if I could get your thoughts. Currently running Windows 10 Home. All help is appreciated.

Current Board: Gigabyte B85M-DS3H
Future Board: Asus z97-a

Robert Cook · Sep 3, 2016

when you swap boards you will find that windows probably will not boot. you will have to re install it, and if you do not have a product key as you upgraded from say windows 7 to 10, then you have to call microsoft. so before the swap be sure to back up your data. and make sure you have an installer disc.

n0ns3ns3 · Sep 3, 2016

You don't need - it's just microsoft wants your money

when you replace the MB (or CPU) windows will ask to reactivate. chose the by phone option.
I prefer to do it with automatic guidance, but you may have to speak with some person.
Usually they will just reactivate your windows.

n0ns3ns3 · Sep 3, 2016

Robert Cook :

Windows 10 surprisingly agrees to boot on different system without any preparation (yay, they did it after 25 years).

Robert Cook · Sep 3, 2016

n0ns3ns3 :

I know windows 7 did and never let me down, but I find ten often flat out will not.

sizzling · Sep 3, 2016

Is your copy of windows OEM? That's the key point

Robert Cook · Sep 3, 2016

sizzling :

Very valid point.

picklesm8 · Sep 3, 2016

sizzling :

[strike]how do i tell?[/strike] im pretty sure its retail, ran slmgr.vbs /dlv and says product key channel: retail

n0ns3ns3 · Sep 3, 2016

you check the properties of the system,
right click on the widows logo (start button) and system
you will find which type of windows you have.
If it's OEM, it is usually appear there.
but AFAIK, it is not important. Just play the dumb - "my computer died, they fixed it now not working, i want my porn back"

Robert Cook · Sep 3, 2016

AFAIK? if it is retail then just clean install on the new pC setup, a clean install is good to do time to time either way.

n0ns3ns3 · Sep 3, 2016

it's not about clean install - it's about activation.

Wolfshadw · Sep 3, 2016

If you Create a Microsoft Account for your PC and then make the motherboard swap, then you should not need to purchase a new Windows 10 license. As long as you log in with your Microsoft account, you should not need to activate.

Just remember, your system needs to be tied to your MS account BEFORE you install a new motherboard.

-Wolf sends

sizzling · Sep 3, 2016

Wolf are you sure that will work even with an OEM copy? Seem counterintuitive to me but can't say I've tried it.

Wolfshadw · Sep 3, 2016

The link I provided is direct from Microsoft.

-Wolf sends

sizzling · Sep 3, 2016

Nothing on that link says Win 10 is transferable using your MS account, let alone an OEM copy.

USAFRet · Sep 3, 2016

sizzling :

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
"In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard."

Wolfshadw · Sep 3, 2016

Try this one

-Wolf sends

sizzling · Sep 3, 2016

Thank you both, interesting and looks good.

ccampy · Sep 3, 2016

Tbh it often worked before this ive got a OEM key feom a old system built a totally new system only reusing the dvd drive and it activated automatically

picklesm8 · Sep 7, 2016

Firstly thank you to everyone who helped me.
In my case when i switched out my mobo I didn't have to do anything OS wise. When i plugged everything back in and turned it on windows booted fine. I have a retail copy of windows 10 on my ssd and I didn't need to get a new copy or even enter the key from when i upgraded. Obviously this may not be the same in your case.

Will I need to buy a new copy of windows 10 when I replace my motherboard?

Commendable

Expert

Illustrious

Illustrious

Expert

Titan

Expert

Commendable

Illustrious

Expert

Illustrious

Titan

Titan

Titan

Titan

Titan

Titan

Titan

Honorable

Commendable

Share this page