Question Activating retail Win10 after replacing core components

[xtaktinen]

Hello! I have decided to upgrade my PC (Motherboard, RAM, CPU and PSU), and I have decided to get a retail windows 10 license. The problem is I am uncertain of the install/activation progress because my SSD now has OEM windows 10 (upgraded from win7). Can I just replace the components, start up the PC and install straight up the retail version of Win10 with the USB stick that comes with the license box thing(?) or have I missed something? Parts are already on the way.

 

[Impu7se]

I would reccomend you to first download windows tools/installer on to usb (needs to be more than 8gb) And from there only take the right version and when downloading windows to your pc just type the activation code that you get With the retail windows licence.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

If you bought the Windows 10 retail then you can simply use that along with the key that came with it to install Windows without worrying about your previous installation (format the drive during installation.) However, you could have used your previous key after linking it to your Microsoft account that you would use to sign in to Windows. After installing Windows 10, you would have to go through the troubleshoot utility and select the option for a hardware change while trying to activate Windows. Sometimes you may even have to contact Microsoft to have them allow you to activate Windows again.

 

[xtaktinen]

If you bought the Windows 10 retail then you can simply use that along with the key that came with it to install Windows without worrying about your previous installation (format the drive during installation.) However, you could have used your previous key after linking it to your Microsoft account that you would use to sign in to Windows. After installing Windows 10, you would have to go through the troubleshoot utility and select the option for a hardware change while trying to activate Windows. Sometimes you may even have to contact Microsoft to have them allow you to activate Windows again.

Okay, but do I have to use the windows tools/installer on USB thing anyway?

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Okay, but do I have to use the windows tools/installer on USB thing anyway?

It doesn't matter how you get your Windows 10 installed. You can use the USB installer you bought or make your own disc from a Windows 10 .iso file. As long as you select the same version you had before (Home, Pro, etc.). Windows 10 includes all versions on the install file, you just select which one you want to install. Your retail license will allow you to reinstall Windows on different hardware more times in a given time period, whereas a OEM license will limit your hardware changes and you wont' be able to activate it if you change hardware more than (I can't remember how many times) but let's say once every 6 months.