Do I Have to Buy Windows 10 Again if I Change Motherboard

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Will I need to buy a new copy of windows 10 when I replace my motherboard?

• Thread starter picklesm8
• Start date Sep 3, 2016

• #1

I want to replace my motherboard but I'm not sure if I need to buy a new copy of Windows 10, some sites I've looked at have said yes and some no and I was wondering if I could get your thoughts. Currently running Windows 10 Home. All help is appreciated.

Current Board: Gigabyte B85M-DS3H
Future Board: Asus z97-a

Aug 3, 2006

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• #2

when you swap boards you will find that windows probably will not boot. you will have to re install it, and if you do not have a product key as you upgraded from say windows 7 to 10, then you have to call microsoft. so before the swap be sure to back up your data. and make sure you have an installer disc.

May 25, 2016

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• #4

when you swap boards you will find that windows probably will not boot. you will have to re install it, and if you do not have a product key as you upgraded from say windows 7 to 10, then you have to call microsoft. so before the swap be sure to back up your data. and make sure you have an installer disc.

Windows 10 surprisingly agrees to boot on different system without any preparation (yay, they did it after 25 years).

Dec 15, 2014

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• #5

when you swap boards you will find that windows probably will not boot. you will have to re install it, and if you do not have a product key as you upgraded from say windows 7 to 10, then you have to call microsoft. so before the swap be sure to back up your data. and make sure you have an installer disc.

Windows 10 surprisingly agrees to boot on different system without any preparation (yay, they did it after 25 years).

I know windows 7 did and never let me down, but I find ten often flat out will not.

Oct 18, 2006

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• #6

Is your copy of windows OEM? That's the key point

Dec 15, 2014

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• #7

Is your copy of windows OEM? That's the key point

Very valid point.

• #8

Is your copy of windows OEM? That's the key point

[strike]how do i tell?[/strike] im pretty sure its retail, ran slmgr.vbs /dlv and says product key channel: retail

Dec 15, 2014

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• #10

AFAIK? if it is retail then just clean install on the new pC setup, a clean install is good to do time to time either way.

May 25, 2016

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• #11

it's not about clean install - it's about activation.

Aug 3, 2006

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• #12

If you Create a Microsoft Account for your PC and then make the motherboard swap, then you should not need to purchase a new Windows 10 license. As long as you log in with your Microsoft account, you should not need to activate.

Just remember, your system needs to be tied to your MS account BEFORE you install a new motherboard.

-Wolf sends

Oct 18, 2006

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• #13

Wolf are you sure that will work even with an OEM copy? Seem counterintuitive to me but can't say I've tried it.

Aug 3, 2006

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• #14

The link I provided is direct from Microsoft.

-Wolf sends

Oct 18, 2006

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• #15

Nothing on that link says Win 10 is transferable using your MS account, let alone an OEM copy.

Mar 16, 2013

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• #16

Nothing on that link says Win 10 is transferable using your MS account, let alone an OEM copy.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
"In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard."

Aug 3, 2006

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• #18

Thank you both, interesting and looks good.

Jan 4, 2014

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• #19

Tbh it often worked before this ive got a OEM key feom a old system built a totally new system only reusing the dvd drive and it activated automatically

• #20

Firstly thank you to everyone who helped me.
In my case when i switched out my mobo I didn't have to do anything OS wise. When i plugged everything back in and turned it on windows booted fine. I have a retail copy of windows 10 on my ssd and I didn't need to get a new copy or even enter the key from when i upgraded. Obviously this may not be the same in your case.

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Source: https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/will-i-need-to-buy-a-new-copy-of-windows-10-when-i-replace-my-motherboard.2797293/

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