New computer same HHD will it still have windows?

Jul 22, 2018
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If i build a whole new computer and put my existing storage with windows 10 will my computer still have windows 10?
 
Solution


Only 2 things you need to do before you start down this path...

1. Read through and understand the links I provided above.
Read through multiple times if needed.

2. Link your OS license, in the current system, to an MS account.

Pavkata882

Reputable
May 19, 2016
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Yes but your old drivers will still be on that drive and it will take you long time to clean old stuff and install your new ones. Best thing to do is to make a clean install on that hdd after you backup your personal files
 
Jul 22, 2018
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Do i do that by just factory reseting my PC?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Assuming Windows 10:

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

Thats for the licensing/activation.


For the actual operation...be prepared for a full reinstall.

There are 3 possible outcomes:
1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you have lingering issues

For a change like this, a clean install is highly recommended, often required.
 
Jul 22, 2018
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So if i a do a clean install i wont have any of those problems correct?
 
Jul 22, 2018
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So if i a do a clean install i wont have any of those problems correct?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Correct.
Of course, this requires a reinstall of everything else, starting with your hardware drivers.

Just like powering up a brand new PC for the first time.


ANd you still need to do that first part about the OS license.
 
Jul 22, 2018
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Kind of a noob here but all my parts should come with the drivers and I install those after I install windows right?

Also do you know a guide how to install windows
 
windows only lets you change certain parts before having to pay again. be ready to fork over cash.
if you have never changed the motherboard it might work. i think they allow the mobo to be replaced once with a new model. same model can be changed multiple times.
 

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator


Yeah thats not true at all. I and other members have swapped licenses on many machines. I completely changed everything in mine, deactivated the old, activated it on the new no problem.

Nice name though, fitting.
 
Jul 22, 2018
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So basically im building a whole new pc and just putting this storage in it.
 
Jul 22, 2018
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So if I but my storage in a new build will i be able to re-active my windows? and is there a simply way to just take windows off the drive then install it again on my new build?

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Windows 10 changed all that, as of the 1607 release.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Again...


These links tell you about the OS licensing:
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


This link spells out how to do a full reinstall, with the new parts:
How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10
 
Jul 22, 2018
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So its probably a better idea just to get a new HHD and install it on there?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The physical drive does not matter. Old, new, previous boot drive or just a secondary drive.

In the "How to.." above, Section II, Step 6 & 7 speak to deleting all the existing partitions on the drive, and starting with a clean slate.
 

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator


You need to format and wipe the drive. Follow USAFRet's instructions, he made it very clear.
 
Jul 22, 2018
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Okay, I get the process of how to do a clean installation of windows, but how do I wipe my HHD?
 
Jul 22, 2018
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LAST question, i dont have to do any of this until I put it into my new pc correct or before?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Only 2 things you need to do before you start down this path...

1. Read through and understand the links I provided above.
Read through multiple times if needed.

2. Link your OS license, in the current system, to an MS account.
 
Solution