Installing windows onto a new HDD or SSD

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JupiXD

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Jul 30, 2015
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Hey guys, If i was to use a new HDD or SSD to put my windows on it after i already have it on one now, will it ask for the product key again or will it just work straight away without activation?
Ive used a USB windows installation on another pc after i took the HDD out and used it for something else and it didnt make me put the key in again. Im not sure if it worked for another reason or something. Will the same thing happen on my other PC?
 
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T

TSchultz0101

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Oct 20, 2016
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How does Microsoft actually track the license on each install? do you know?
 
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Junaid Balouch

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Feb 19, 2014
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No idea, but it happened with me. Installed windows 10 on my hdd. I had a spare one with me. Then, my old one died and i installed my OS on the spare one. It activated right away. No need for re-licensing. BUT when my Mobo died, i couldn't use that windows. It wont even boot up and even if i re-installed, and the CPU was same, it wont activate. So,you would need a re-activation.
 
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goerk27

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Jan 16, 2017
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Retailpcs (mainboards) come with a preinstalled key on the mainboard itself. If WIndows finds one of those keys and they match the Windows Version being installed then you will not need to activate or install any license. This however only works a few times until you need to call the phone support.
 
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