Question New motherboard, need to get past BIOS

[Complexic_1]

Just got a new motherboard and processor. Everything is fine, I just need to know what to do now. I've read that you should do a clean install of windows for the motherboard but I'm not sure why and the links most people provide are way too complicated. I still have "windows" on my old HDD (which I'm still using because it isn't old). Why can't I just boot to that?

If I do HAVE to do a fresh install using a usb, how does that work if I still want to use all the files on my HDD?

Can I get a short version of how to do a clean install of windows from the BIOS?

 

[USAFRet]

Please give us a FULL parts list of old and new.

And yes, with a new motherboard, a fresh OS install is strongly recommended, usually required.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[Complexic_1]

Some other questions I can't find the answer to anywhere. If I create the install on a usb, how does that help me in any way? What about my HDD and SSD with all my files on them? Would they get deleted if they are plugged into the motherboard? If I install from the USB and then load my HDD, assuming that the BIOS now actually recognizes it, would it boot like normal so long as both windows versions are the same? I already swapped all the hardware, I have other ways of getting my files if I need to but I'm trying to make this a seamless transition but it's becoming a headache. Sorry if this sounds like I'm agitated but I just want to know what to do, and I can't find the answers I'm looking for.

 

[USAFRet]

Some other questions I can't find the answer to anywhere. If I create the install on a usb, how does that help me in any way? What about my HDD and SSD with all my files on them? Would they get deleted if they are plugged into the motherboard? If I install from the USB and then load my HDD, assuming that the BIOS now actually recognizes it, would it boot like normal so long as both windows versions are the same? I already swapped all the hardware, I have other ways of getting my files if I need to but I'm trying to make this a seamless transition but it's becoming a headache. Sorry if this sounds like I'm agitated but I just want to know what to do, and I can't find the answers I'm looking for.

This is not much different than if your current physical C drive were to die right now.
It happens.

Before you start on this path, have a known good copy of your personal files elsewhere and offline.

Similarly, all your usernames/passwords.
Any serial numbers for whatever software you will be installing.

A freshly created Win 10 or 11 USB, to reinstall with.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[USAFRet]

Bottom line - You will have to do a full OS install, along with everything else.
Prepare for that.

 

[Complexic_1]

Bottom line - You will have to do a full OS install, along with everything else.
Prepare for that.

Thanks, with this and a little more searching and trying things out I've got it fully up and running. A few unforeseen things I didn't realize were tied to the motherboard but it's a learning experience and I'm just glad it works. 👍