Question Is it recommended to reinstall Windows 10 after installing a new CPU/motherboard?

[reapzstar]

I saw in some article that Windows auto repairs itself just fine and there's no need for that.
Also, is there a program that would download all the necessary programs for the new components IF a reinstall is not needed?

 

[Colif]

Yes

clean install

windows sees replacing mb & CPU as a new PC, better to start fresh.

if you try to use current install on new hardware, 3 possible outcomes

1. it works fine
2. it works but has weird problems
3. it doesn't work at all.

Better to assume it won't work and plan for that.

the components question depends what you have now. Some motherboard makers have programs you can use to install drivers, but there is always chance not all old drivers are gone.

 

[DSzymborski]

Yup, best practice in this situation is always a full, fresh install of Windows.

 

[Aeacus]

If you're lazy and doesn't want to do clean install, you can face BSoDs, stutters or even OS corruption. So, better to start fresh with clean Win install.

Also, is there a program that would download all the necessary programs for the new components IF a reinstall is not needed?

No such program exists. Or in other words, there are no cutting corners when it comes to drivers. You have to manually download and install all of them, one-by-one. And while Windows does have basic drivers to make your PC to work, it doesn't have dedicated drivers needed for individual hardware, e.g MoBo drivers, GPU drivers etc.

 

[johnbl]

people think it auto repairs but what is really happening is that windows detects the new hardware and installs the drivers. Problem is that the windows gives the new hardware the secondary resources since it thinks you have duplicate hardware. IE one set that has failed and the new set of hardware.
This can result in strange behavior since some hardware resources are very limited.