Hard drive transfer with os

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dannstehberger

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Nov 6, 2017
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Hi there I am wondering if I can transfer a HD from one PC to another with the os on it.

Here's what I'm trying to say in a better way I have this PC I bought and its giving me more troubles than the fun I'm getting from it. I'm building a new PC to replace it and I want to save $130 and not buy a new OS I have one on the HD that is in my old PC with all my files and I'm also getting a new HD for backing up stuff so can I put the old HD in the new PC transfer all the files and format it OR is there a way to get the os on the new drive a different way?

Could I also just transfer all my files on the new HD and reinstall windows and transfer the HD to the new one I have no idea please help.

Also something that should be said the OS was already installed on the old PC there is no installation dick or flash drive.
 
Solution
USAFRet


There are two considerations - Operation and Licensing.

Operation - Will it simply boot up in the new hardware?
Maybe, probably not.
Prepare for if it does not.

Go here and create your own USB install: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Licensing - Was the OS preinstalled, or something that you purchased and installed?
A preinstalled Win 10 OS (from Walmart) is maybe the only instance where the Win 10 license cannot transfer to new hardware.
Try this first:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
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Mar 16, 2013
171,445
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1. What specific OS is this?
2. Where did this OS come from?
3. What are the specs of both systems?
4. DO you have the license key for the OS?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,445
17,909
184,590


There are two considerations - Operation and Licensing.

Operation - Will it simply boot up in the new hardware?
Maybe, probably not.
Prepare for if it does not.

Go here and create your own USB install: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Licensing - Was the OS preinstalled, or something that you purchased and installed?
A preinstalled Win 10 OS (from Walmart) is maybe the only instance where the Win 10 license cannot transfer to new hardware.
Try this first:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

This maybe allows you to link the OS license to your MS account, and maybe use that same license on new hardware.
 
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Solution
B

Bob125484

Honorable
Jun 13, 2015
712
17
11,365
1. Make sure you sign in your old Walmart PC so window 10 is assigned to your account. Go to Start -> Setting -> Account. When you click on Manage my PC, you should see your PC name in it.
2. When you build new PC, it will ask for win 10 code if you have it. If not, sign in with same one you have on Walmart PC.

My son has win 7 upgrade to win 10 for free last year on his 4 years old computer Intel 2500K. We upgraded 3 days ago and activate by sign in on new PC so win 10 will transfer. It did not go thru. We contacted Microsoft thru chat and phone. They say type in Win 7 code that we have but it still don't work. We allow Microsoft to see on his computer so we have show picture of win 7 copy that we have. They ask for proof that we upgrade to Z370, so we show them invoice of motherboard and CPU that we purchase. All of this is done live on computer screen. After they see the proof that they ask, they gave us a new win 10 code so my son can activate on this new computer.
 
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