Do I have to reinstall Windows 8.1?

[-DrDavid]

Hello, I am buying a new motherboard, its the same exact motherboard as what I have now, which is a MSI H81M-P33 because my old one was DOA, the 2nd slot of memory would not work at all so I was stuck with just 1 4gb Memory stick. I bought the motherboard in may of this year. Anyways I didn't want to send it in for a replacement because I couldn't go like 2 weeks without using my computer. The point is, do I have to reinstall windows 8.1 if I get the same exact motherboard because i've heard that you need to reinstall windows after getting a new motherboard.

 

[jimmysmitty]

If it is the exact same board then no you will not have to reinstall Windows. The drivers are already there.

You just need to make sure the BIOS is setup the same way so it will know what and how to boot.

 

[-DrDavid]

Okay, what if I get a different motherboard? Would I have to reinstall windows then?

 

[woodson75]

No, you should be good to go with your current install of Windows, as long as the mobo really is identical. Still might need to sort out and update device drivers from the new mobo's drivers CD (Lan, audio etc.)

 

[jimmysmitty]

If it is different there can be issues. If it is within the same chipset, say H81M, then it should work but you will have certain drivers that will need to be reinstalled as different motherboard vendors use different parts for components. It should still boot but might have some driver issues.

I would suggest staying with the same board if you don't want to reinstall Windows.

 

[USAFRet]

Same exact board - Usually it works, prepare for if it doesn't.
Different board, same chipset - Sometimes is works, prepare for if it doesn't.
Different board, different chipset - Usually does not work.

Bottom line - Prepare for if it does not work.