Can motherboards and processors be changed without a new licence of Win 8.1

[TheJackle]

I have an Amd Athlon II X4 760k, and a MSI A78M-E35. I wish to upgrade to an AMD FX-8350 and a Gigabyte 970A-DS3P. Will this need a new activation code for Windows 8.1. FYI I have the disk I used to install Windows inthe first place

 

[USAFRet]

If this is an install that you bought and you installed, you can reinstall as needed.
If it was preinstalled, then you'd need to buy a new one.

 

[TheJackle]

If this is an install that you bought and you installed, you can reinstall as needed.
If it was preinstalled, then you'd need to buy a new one.

Thanks, that is very helpful. Other forums had very mixed answers. Thanks very much

 

[USAFRet]

If this is an install that you bought and you installed, you can reinstall as needed.
If it was preinstalled, then you'd need to buy a new one.

Thanks, that is very helpful. Other forums had very mixed answers. Thanks very much

You can read the specific MS licensing here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

 

[SgtStiffler]

No, because the OS is stored on your HDD. I've changed my motherboard and processor before without reinstalling Windows. Just make sure you have the HDD selected first in the boot menu when you get your new motherboard.

 

[USAFRet]

No, because the OS is stored on your HDD. I've changed my motherboard and processor before without reinstalling Windows.

That is not an absolute. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't.
There is also the licensing issue. Win 7 OEM...you'd need a new license. Win 8/8.1, you don't.

 

[SgtStiffler]

No, because the OS is stored on your HDD. I've changed my motherboard and processor before without reinstalling Windows.

That is not an absolute. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't.
There is also the licensing issue. Win 7 OEM...you'd need a new license. Win 8/8.1, you don't.

He has 8.1, though. There's always a way around that issue. 😉

 

[TheJackle]

I also have two hard drives. One with Windows and a few programs. Another for everything else

 

[SgtStiffler]

I also have two hard drives. One with Windows and a few programs. Another for everything else

That won't make a difference. Just make sure the one with Windows is selected when you boot with your new motherboard.

 

[TheJackle]

So I just boot up the changed computer

 

[TheJackle]

Thanks everyone. You've been a great help

 

[SgtStiffler]

Thanks everyone. You've been a great help

No problem! 😀