Question New Mobo, CPU, RAM with no Windows 10 reinstall?

[alexisvx]

Hi All,
I'm replacing my Motherboard, CPU and RAM and need your advice with regards to Windows installation.

My question is, can I just let Windows 10 do it's thing, i.e. change the hardware, boot and let Windows install all necessary drivers?

I have a retail Windows 10 and am familiar on how to activate it on the new machine. I'm going from Intel to Intel and not sure yet if I'll keep to the same Mobo brand. I have Windows on an SSD and have another 4 HDD's with files, games etc..

I've read a lot of conflicting advice - from doing registry changes, to competently re-installing windows, to running the 'Windows Repair' module on boot, to only uninstalling drivers, and to just change the hardware and let Windows do the rest.

I know that a clean install is the best option but how substantiated is it that letting Windows change the drivers without re-install can create bloat, instability etc..?

What would you suggest?

thanks!


My rig:
CPU: i5 4690k 3.5Ghz O/C to 4.6Ghz
GPU: GeForce GTX 1080FTW2 Gaming iCX
Monitor: 34 inch @ 3440x1440 Asus ROG PG348Q
Motherboard: Asrock Z97 Extreme 4
CPU cooler: Noctua NH-D14
PSU: EVGA 750W ATX12V
RAM: G.Skill - Ripjaws X - 16GB (DDR3 2133)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4
Windows 10 retail

 

[rgd1101]

you can try. and test if it run fine
if not, fresh install

 

[USAFRet]

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/


For the actual operation, there are basically 3 possibilities:

1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing issues for weeks.

I've seen all 3.

Prepare for a full wipe and reinstall. It may not be needed, but you'll be prepared if you do.

 

[USAFRet]

And have only the C drive connected when/if you try to power it up.

 

[alexisvx]

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/


For the actual operation, there are basically 3 possibilities:

1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing issues for weeks.

I've seen all 3.

Prepare for a full wipe and reinstall. It may not be needed, but you'll be prepared if you do.

Thanks, I guess I'll just try to just do a reboot with no fresh install and see what happens.
Is there a software solution that allows for re-installation of software after hardware changes? I guess not?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks, I guess I'll just try to just do a reboot with no fresh install and see what happens.
Is there a software solution that allows for re-installation of software after hardware changes? I guess not?

Not automatically.

For a lot of basic applications, I use ninite.com. Select which ones you want, download the small exe...it downloads and installs all the applications you selected.

 

[alexisvx]

Not automatically.

For a lot of basic applications, I use ninite.com. Select which ones you want, download the small exe...it downloads and installs all the applications you selected.

Yes, I like ninite! Thanks for your advice USAFRet