I'm getting a new motherboard and didnt know if i had to reinstall Windows 10 OS

[wferrante09]

I'm upgrading my hardware including a motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, and an SSD and was wondering since I'm getting a new motherboard, will i have to re-buy/ reinstall Windows 10? My current brand mobo is Asus and the new one is MSI

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Yes, it is advisable that you reinstall Windows.

There's a small chance you'll still be able to boot up and have a usable system, but there will almost always be weird glitches that pop up.

 

[Astralv]

Every motherboard uses specific drivers. I can't tell you exactly how much different for example Chipset is or any other driver- if it is the same manufacturer, you can try to compare the file names on your old drivers list with file names on the new motherboard drivers list. If it is different manufacturer, I would reinstall Windows and install new drivers. Register your Windows with your account. When reinstalling, you can try to add the same serial, but it may say that it was already used. You can use "I don't have it" option, install, then loig in to your Microsoft account and it may recognize you. Yeah... I am afraid it may want you to unregister your first computer- there was success with using phone support for registration. It considers it new system if you change 3 elements.

 

[wferrante09]

So wait... I would get the new components, take the old components out, then install new components and then how would I reinstall windows 10 without an OS?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

So i would re install Windows with the new hardware in?

Yes, installing Windows with the old hardware would defeat the purpose.

 

[wferrante09]

So i would re install Windows with the new hardware in?

Yes, installing Windows with the old hardware would defeat the purpose.

ohh, ok so i install Windows 10 with the old hardware i have now, then install new components?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

So i would re install Windows with the new hardware in?

Yes, installing Windows with the old hardware would defeat the purpose.

ohh, ok so i install Windows 10 with the old hardware i have now, then install new components?

Wrong.

You install your new hardware, boot up your Windows 10 installation media (USB, DVD) and install Windows with all the new hardware in place.

 

[wferrante09]

So i would re install Windows with the new hardware in?

Yes, installing Windows with the old hardware would defeat the purpose.

ohh, ok so i install Windows 10 with the old hardware i have now, then install new components?

Wrong.

You install your new hardware, boot up your Windows 10 installation media (USB, DVD) and install Windows with all the new hardware in place.

Ok, so i would need to buy a key then right? Because I'm just getting parts

 

[ThatVietGuy]

No.

Windows 10 changed how Microsoft dealt with product keys. You can tie a Microsoft account (like a Hotmail account) to your Windows 10 license and once you log in after you've installed Windows it'll activate - https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

 

[wferrante09]

No.

Windows 10 changed how Microsoft dealt with product keys. You can tie a Microsoft account (like a Hotmail account) to your Windows 10 license and once you log in after you've installed Windows it'll activate - https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

Yeah, my Microsoft acct. is already linked to Windows 10 just checked it. It says, "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account" and then once i install the new hardware i would just have to troubleshoot it according to the website

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Then you should be good to go. Just back up all your important info and reinstall and enjoy a nicely upgraded computer.

 

[wferrante09]

Then you should be good to go. Just back up all your important info and reinstall and enjoy a nicely upgraded computer.

ok thanks, one more question...Will i lose the stuff that's currently on my desktop or will i have to backup everything up

 

[ThatVietGuy]

A full reinstall will wipe everything, so backup anything you don't want lost.

 

[wferrante09]

A full reinstall will wipe everything, so backup anything you don't want lost.

I pretty much dont want anything lost. Where would i back it all up to? A USB?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Whatever you have on hand that will fit everything you want to save.

 

[wferrante09]

Whatever you have on hand that will fit everything you want to save.

Most if not all of my Apps are in either the KB or Byte so should a 6gb USB be good

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Your "Apps" will need to be reinstalled after you install Windows.

Unless you're talking about something else.

 

[wferrante09]

Your "Apps" will need to be reinstalled after you install Windows.

Unless you're talking about something else.

Well, im just worried about my games there all on my steam account so will i have to reinstall all the games or just steam

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Steam games (they're all located in the SteamApps/Common folder) can be saved to an external drive and moved back once you're done installing Windows and installed Steam.

 

[wferrante09]

Steam games (they're all located in the SteamApps/Common folder) can be saved to an external drive and moved back once you're done installing Windows and installed Steam.

Ok great, and what about the apps on my desktop would i just copy and paste it to an external drive just like the steam games?
And would my whole HDD drive get wiped?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Everything gets wiped.

For normal programs, they will have to be reinstalled. You can't just copy and paste them to another drive.

 

[wferrante09]

Everything gets wiped.

For normal programs, they will have to be reinstalled. You can't just copy and paste them to another drive.

When you say normal programs, can you give some examples?
Like Google Chrome and Anti Virus

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Things like Firefox, Chrome, antivirus programs (Avast, Malwarebytes, etc.).

Your standard programs that let you perform your daily activities.

 

[wferrante09]

Things like Firefox, Chrome, antivirus programs (Avast, Malwarebytes, etc.).

Your standard programs that let you perform your daily activities.

Ok i got you that's what I thought just wanted to clarify

 

[USAFRet]

Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

That's for the licensing.

For the OS install...
How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10