Can I Switch A Hard Drive With Windows 8.1 Into A New PC?

NoahDBoss · Nov 26, 2016

So I have an old HDD from a laptop that I no longer use. This HDD has all of my files(Games, Music, Videos) that I dont want to lose or have to replace. I also don't want to have to buy a new copy of Windows for this PC. Is there a way for me to use this HDD in a new computer without losing my files and having to buy a new copy if Windows.

Please keep in mind that I'm a fairly inexperienced builder.

elbert · Nov 26, 2016

You can but for the best chance of it working you should uninstall most all the drivers. Now when I say working I mean just in booting up. The activation is highly unlikely but worth a shot.

USAFRet · Nov 26, 2016

Win 8.1
Laptop
New Desktop

This is highly unlikely to work.

Operation and Licensing

Operation - It is highly unlikely to just boot up and work properly. There is no fix, there is nothing you can do to change the outcome. Either it does or it doesn't.
Probably doesn't.

Licensing - The OS license from the laptop is almost certainly an OEM license. As such, tied to that original latop motherboard.
Even if it did, by some miracle, boot up, it will be unactivated.

You're buying/building a whole new PC. The OS is just as much a part of the system as is the RAM/CPU/GPU/etc.
Budget for that, and buy an actual OS for your new PC.

Nerdy Nerd · Nov 26, 2016

I am not for sure about elberts answer. For windows OS, they have a security that will go off if the hard drive is not in the original motherboard that the key was originally put on. By swamping the HDD, it will since that hdd has been swamped and will give you a BSOD. I have tried this before when I was a kid and that is how I learned about this problem. However, during my experiment, I saw that I could move a linux hard drive to another computer with no problem because linux does not have this. You can try it but if it gives you a BSOD, then put the HDD back into the original computer.

NoahDBoss · Nov 26, 2016

elbert :

Would you recommend me just scrapping that and starting from scratch?

Nerdy Nerd · Nov 26, 2016

USAFRet :

That is exactly what I thought. That is why I was confused with elbert's answer.

NoahDBoss · Nov 26, 2016

USAFRet :

Win 8.1
Laptop
New Desktop

This is highly unlikely to work.

Operation and Licensing

Operation - It is highly unlikely to just boot up and work properly. There is no fix, there is nothing you can do to change the outcome. Either it does or it doesn't.
Probably doesn't.

Licensing - The OS license from the laptop is almost certainly an OEM license. As such, tied to that original latop motherboard.
Even if it did, by some miracle, boot up, it will be unactivated.

You're buying/building a whole new PC. The OS is just as much a part of the system as is the RAM/CPU/GPU/etc.
Budget for that, and buy an actual OS for your new PC.

Okay, so just scrap it buy a new HDD and OS?

Nerdy Nerd · Nov 26, 2016

NoahDBoss :

Noah, there are 2 other people here that disagree. It won't work because of the OS security.

Nerdy Nerd · Nov 26, 2016

NoahDBoss :

No you can pull the key off using a program and then reinstall windows on the other hdd. If the key doesn't work, call up Microsoft and explain and they will help you.

USAFRet · Nov 26, 2016

NoahDBoss :

Buy a new HDD (or SSD) for your new PC, along with all the other parts
Buy a valid OS (from a real retailer) for your new PC
Once the desktop is built and running, remove the laptop HDD
Connect it as a secondary drive to the new PC
Copy what you want off it
Put it back in the laptop
Wipe the laptop drive completely
Install the original 8.1 OS
Sell the laptop to recoup your money on the new drive and OS.

NoahDBoss · Nov 26, 2016

Nerdy Nerd :

NoahDBoss :

Noah, there are 2 other people here that disagree. It won't work because of the OS security.

Yes. I have read them. Im just going to buy another OS and put it on a new HDD. Thank you for the help!

elbert · Nov 26, 2016

Nerdy Nerd :

I'm just giving him pointers on how to increase the odds of a boot up. I agree the chances aren't that great for it to boot. The Licensing again highly unlikely and could be a 30 day trail.

NoahDBoss · Nov 26, 2016

USAFRet :

Okay. That was slightly confusing but I believe I know what you mean. Thank you so much!

Nerdy Nerd · Nov 26, 2016

NoahDBoss :

Nerdy Nerd :

Yes. I have read them. Im just going to buy another OS and put it on a new HDD. Thank you for the help!

Ok, and your welcome.

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Can I Switch A Hard Drive With Windows 8.1 Into A New PC?

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