[SOLVED] Do I need to reinstall Windows 10 when changing motherboard to a different brand and chipset?

[stonks333]

Changing from a "GIGABYTE Z370M DS3H" to an "ASROCK Z390 Pro4" or will everything be fine and I just need to re-activate my Win 10?

 

[Corwin65]

I have to disagree with what was suggested. When making such a big hardware change its usually recommended to reinstall windows. As long as your Win 10 is tied to a MS account it should transfer over without issue.

 

[Blensidi]

When you have Windows 10 already installed in your SSD/HDD you just need to connect it with a SATA cable to the mainboard and don't need to reinstall Windows again, however you probably need to update your BIOS since you are getting a new mainboard and download it from the manufacturer's website (pc will still work fin but it's simply always recommended to have all your drivers for your hardware up to date.

 

[Blensidi]

or will everything be fine and I just need to re-activate my Win 10?

If changing to another mainboard Windows should normally boot up as long as it's already installed in your SSD/HDD however I do not know whether you have to activate Windows again, since to this day I have not activated my Windows 10/buyed a key license.

 

[Corwin65]

I have to disagree with what was suggested. When making such a big hardware change its usually recommended to reinstall windows. As long as your Win 10 is tied to a MS account it should transfer over without issue.

 

[DSzymborski]

I'm with Corwin. Best practice on a change such as this is a full wipe and reinstall unless you're well-experienced dealing with the myriad ways treating Windows installs as modular can backfire on you.

 

[Mandark]

I also disagree with not doing a Clean install. It is most necessary for a smooth fast running stable system.