Upgrading PC parts... Do I have to reinstall OS?

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legendarydarkmafia

Commendable
Sep 9, 2017
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So I'm using a 64-bit Windows 7 and I am planning to upgrade my motherboard and cpu together. I read online that you would have to reinstall the system which is a pain in the arse for me since I'm going to need to bring my whole setup to the PC store. I also read that windows would automatically detect hardware changes and load default drivers. Is this true? and will I lose any data/programs in the process? and what if Windows 7 isn't running officially? (I AM JUST CURIOUS YAA IT DOESN'T MEAN I AM USING A PIRATED VERSION OF WINDOWS) thx

also sorry for bad grammar.
 
Solution
USAFRet
Operation and licensing:

Operation
A fresh install is always recommended, usually required.

Licensing
If this is an OEM license (do you know?), you are probably out of luck with all new hardware.
It will become and remain unactivated upon seeing this new hardware.


and what if Windows 7 isn't running officially?
Click to expand...
And if that is the case, that would be the end of this discussion.
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Emerald

Emerald

Titan
Aug 28, 2005
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If the Windows7 you are running is a OEM version, the produce key is connected to the motherboard which means you would legally have to purchase a new OS license to install it with the new motherboard. If it is a Retail version you can transfer the product key.

It is highly recommended to reinstall since the current chipest drivers might not work on the new motherboard.

What is the old model motherboard and what new one are you planning on buying?
 
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mcconkeymike

mcconkeymike

Distinguished
Dec 31, 2007
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It should also be said that newer hardware requires Windows 10 to run properly and without having to jump through hoops in order to work. If you are building a system with a Z270 or newer Intel motherboard or a Ryzen AMD system you'll need Windows 10.

But for your question, it is never a good idea to just move a hard drive with Windows installed on it to a different computer, you are asking for headaches that way, not to mention the licensing issues as well.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
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Operation and licensing:

Operation
A fresh install is always recommended, usually required.

Licensing
If this is an OEM license (do you know?), you are probably out of luck with all new hardware.
It will become and remain unactivated upon seeing this new hardware.


and what if Windows 7 isn't running officially?
Click to expand...
And if that is the case, that would be the end of this discussion.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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