New motherboard, Windows 10 download possible after upgrade and susequent fresh install?

[MrBlackandWhite]

Hello I was wondering how windows 10 recognises my PC so I can continually reinstall if I need to. Since I am considering new parts for my PC including new motherboard is there something I have to do ..perhaps obtain a Win 10 key so I can use Win 10 after installation of new mobo?

Many thanks for any replies in advance!

 

[Biscuit42]

I think 'it depends'.

The *free* Windows 10 is predicated on an UPGRADE to an existing system. The caveat here is that it's free *even* if you changed hardware later, as long as you have a full retail license of Windows 7/8/8.1 that you upgraded from.

If you upgrade from an OEM license, then the free Win 10 is only until you change the motherboard. I think it's fine with memory/HDD/CPU changes.

If you have a Windows 10 media installation on a CD or USB stick, I think you will need a key to do a fresh install on a new motherboard; its essentially a new computer. That is what I did when I upgraded to a Z170 board two weeks ago and it worked fine.

If you can transfer your existing hard drive and existing OS to the new motherboard and get it to boot, then if it's a full retail Windows it will register and be happy. If it's an OEM you'll be informed the license is not valid for a new computer.

 

[Felix England]

When you install a new mobo your current windows will not recognise it so you will have to reinstall windows. You can download Windows 10 onto a USB and install it through that?

If you download the media creation tool you can install the free version onto a fresh PC build from a portable hard drive.

 

[MrBlackandWhite]

Oh cool becuase I have the media creation tool on USB and have used it to go from a windows 10 upgrade to a windows 10 complete reinstall , even on a new motherboard it will be fine?

How would I go about getting a key just incase ?

Many thanks !!

 

[Felix England]

You need to create a Windows 10 ISO,

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/operating-systems/1401617/how-to-clean-install-windows-10-and-create-boot-media

read that it will talk you through it and you should be able to boot from a USB
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-10-Home/productID.319937100
You can buy the key there, but if you are buying it buy the USB as it will be set up for you.

 

[MrBlackandWhite]

Hi Felix thanks fo rthe info. I have the media cration tool and have used that alreay to freshly install win 10 on my PC.

However apparently if I change my CPU (Intel are sending me a new one as mine is faulty) that will void my copy of windows and I will have to buy a new copy/key. As I understand it, Win 10 uses the motherboard and the CPU as a 'footprint' to recognise and ID the computer it is being installed on.

So I still a bit confused as to whether becuase I have already upgraded to win 10 and done a fresh install that my copy of windows will work when I install my new CPU.

I have a retail DVD/CD copy of Win 8.1 but because I have already upgraded to 10 (and performed fresh install) using this version/copy/key I really have no idea if I am going to be able either A) Use my existing Media Creation Tool/USB to install Win 10 again or B) If I am able to upgrade to win 10 from the Win 8.1 disc.

 

[Felix England]

Hi Felix thanks fo rthe info. I have the media cration tool and have used that alreay to freshly install win 10 on my PC.

However apparently if I change my CPU (Intel are sending me a new one as mine is faulty) that will void my copy of windows and I will have to buy a new copy/key. As I understand it, Win 10 uses the motherboard and the CPU as a 'footprint' to recognise and ID the computer it is being installed on.

So I still a bit confused as to whether becuase I have already upgraded to win 10 and done a fresh install that my copy of windows will work when I install my new CPU.

I have a retail DVD/CD copy of Win 8.1 but because I have already upgraded to 10 (and performed fresh install) using this version/copy/key I really have no idea if I am going to be able either A) Use my existing Media Creation Tool/USB to install Win 10 again or B) If I am able to upgrade to win 10 from the Win 8.1 disc.

This seems to be different as when I upgraded my ram the BIOS said 'New RAM or CPU detected' I restarted and it worked perfectly fine and I would assume this is what would happen with a CPU change. The best thing to do is back up all your data if you have any, try to install the new CPU if windows doesn't like it then reinstall windows 10 because it is the same motherboard it should recognise it as the same PC.