Question Do I need to reinstall windows 10 when I replace a motherboard and CPU?

[SlenderJack]

I'm upgrading my motherboard and CPU so I wanted to know if I can just plug it in and go or if I need to reinstall windows 10 or do anything else.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Three possible outcomes:

1. It will work without issues - Likelihood - 10%
2. It will work, but with nagging issues that will eventually result in a wipe and reinstall - Likelihood - 60%
3. It won't work and a clean install is required - Likelihood - 30%

Personally, I won't waste the time. Just perform a clean install and call it a day.

-Wolf sends

 

[Roger_III]

Power Supply Fried the Motherboard. Bought higher speed mother board and newest Intel Chipset last year. Ran it with original Win 8 Hard Drive - It installed itself - bang - NO ISSUES. Switched hard drives with my Windows 10 computer (due to Memory)and like wise it - There were no issues. The Win 8 HD in my formerly Win 10 Computer had a few drive issues on the sound and audio drivers - put nothing major. It runs better as it is not the memory hog of Win 10.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm upgrading my motherboard and CPU so I wanted to know if I can just plug it in and go or if I need to reinstall windows 10 or do anything else.

There is no 100% yes or no, either way.

Upgrading from what to what? The greater the difference, the greater likelihood of complete fail.

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/