how do i transfer an os to a new computer

[gtjack9]

i have a computer now and im planning on buying a new one which comes with a 2tb hardive but no os(has to be windows os) could i use the old computers hardrive as the new computers primary and not have to buy another copy of windows.

 

[USAFRet]

That is a definite maybe.

If your old copy is an OEM version, no.
If it is a retail version, maybe. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. A lot depends on how different the two motherboards and CPUs are.
Or might might 'work', but you'd be chasing driver conflicts forever.

If you have the product key, you can just install fresh on the new drive, and activate with the key. Provided it is not an OEM key.

 

[gtjack9]

That is a definite maybe.

If your old copy is an OEM version, no.
If it is a retail version, maybe. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. A lot depends on how different the two motherboards and CPUs are.
Or might might 'work', but you'd be chasing driver conflicts forever.

If you have the product key, you can just install fresh on the new drive, and activate with the key. Provided it is not an OEM key.

unfortunately i was given the windows 7 copy and therefore dont have the key