Do I need a new copy of Windows 10 when upgrading my PC?

[Killer Nads]

Upgrading my PC parts to new ones including motherboard, cpu, ram, more hdds etc...

Is my windows installation and license key going to be locked to my old motherboard and its parts?

When I originally purchased the PC it came with Windows 7 installed and license key. I then used the free Windows 10 upgrade a few months ago from Microsoft.

Do I now need to buy a new license key?

Ps: the old ssd drive with Windows installation is going to be still there but will be formatted and not the main c drive anymore. The new c drive that I want Windows on is the new m.2 ssd I bought.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

no, you don't need.
Just follow this:
http://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc%E2%80%99s-hardware/

 

[USAFRet]

Probably not. Read here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

 

[Killer Nads]

Ok thank you, the guy coming to do the install today of the new hardware and software said I can't transfer it as its locked to motherboard.

He's saying that he can give me a new license for £40 with Windows on usb key.

 

[USAFRet]

Ok thank you, the guy coming to do the install today of the new hardware and software said I can't transfer it as its locked to motherboard.

He's saying that he can give me a new license for £40 with Windows on usb key.

2 months ago, that was the case. The Win 10 Anniversary release has negated that requirement.
You need to link the OS license to your MS account before you do the parts swap.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

Ok thank you, the guy coming to do the install today of the new hardware and software said I can't transfer it as its locked to motherboard.

He's saying that he can give me a new license for £40 with Windows on usb key.

1. Tell that guy he is a greedy idiot .
2. don't trust him. Might want to install things on your own. it's like lego and there are tons step by step guides

 

[Killer Nads]

Ok thank you. I have already done the activation on my account.

However the last part of the howtogeek article is the confusing part where it says that I can't transfer the license to a new PC. This will be almost like a brand new PC as I'm changing nearly all the parts, I think just the case and gpu are staying same and some of the secondary hard drives with games only on them.

So I'm wondering if Microsoft will flag it as a new machine and not an upgrade??

 

[Killer Nads]

"1. Tell that guy he is a greedy idiot ."

I don't think so, maybe he's just unsure but he actually sent me the link to the howtogeek article before telling me that I need another copy. He just told me that it's unlikely to carry license over as it will be like a new machine.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

Ok thank you. I have already done the activation on my account.

However the last part of the howtogeek article is the confusing part where it says that I can't transfer the license to a new PC. This will be almost like a brand new PC as I'm changing nearly all the parts, I think just the case and gpu are staying same and some of the secondary hard drives with games only on them.

So I'm wondering if Microsoft will flag it as a new machine and not an upgrade??

the license is tied to CPU+MB.
But Microsoft realized that they get too many support calls on such upgrades and simplified the process.
the post on windowscentral provided by USAFRet is very good step by step guide that works.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

"1. Tell that guy he is a greedy idiot ."

I don't think so, maybe he's just unsure but he actually sent me the link to the howtogeek article before telling me that I need another copy. He just told me that it's unlikely to carry license over as it will be like a new machine.

than he is a decent person and i'm an idiot
use that windowscentral guide

 

[Killer Nads]

@nonsense, right cool thank you.

I will follow that guide and hopefully it will work out!!

Will update everyone later tonight how it all went!

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

you are mostly welcome

 

[USAFRet]

"1. Tell that guy he is a greedy idiot ."

I don't think so, maybe he's just unsure but he actually sent me the link to the howtogeek article before telling me that I need another copy. He just told me that it's unlikely to carry license over as it will be like a new machine.

Read the Microsoft link I posted above.