[SOLVED] PC recently broke, building new rig and unsure how to re install windows and find my activation key

[JakMacCS]

My old trusty PC (first built in 2013 and partially upgraded since) recently died so I’ve bitten the bullet and bought a new CPU + Mobo + RAM etc, I need to install windows on this new build once finished but my current version of windows is inaccessible and I don’t know my product key (originally a windows 7 oem I believe) is there any way I can still access my windows license without fixing and booting the old PC? I’m upgrading from an AM3+ chipset to AM4.

 

[punkncat]

Technically, if it's an OEM key it isn't transferrable. Microsoft has chosen to be VERY relaxed about this aspect as I think they want people on Windows 10 more than they care about licensing. I have used the Win 7 key (even recently) to activate Win 10 installs, but if you don't have it that could be issue. I am not sure if being "signed in" would work to activate or not. IE using the tie to your Microsoft account.

 

[USAFRet]

My old trusty PC (first built in 2013 and partially upgraded since) recently died so I’ve bitten the bullet and bought a new CPU + Mobo + RAM etc, I need to install windows on this new build once finished but my current version of windows is inaccessible and I don’t know my product key (originally a windows 7 oem I believe) is there any way I can still access my windows license without fixing and booting the old PC? I’m upgrading from an AM3+ chipset to AM4.

Was this a Win 7 and then upgraded to Win 10?

Was your license key linked to your MS account?

 

[JakMacCS]

Was this a Win 7 and then upgraded to Win 10?

Was your license key linked to your MS account?

I upgraded to windows 10 from 7 yes, years ago now, and I am not sure sorry, the upgrade and original install all took place under the same user and I assume by the time of the upgrade that would include my MS account but I’m a noob and have no clue sorry, really appreciate the speedy response!

 

[USAFRet]

I upgraded to windows 10 from 7 yes, years ago now, and I am not sure sorry, the upgrade and original install all took place under the same user and I assume by the time of the upgrade that would include my MS account but I’m a noob and have no clue sorry, really appreciate the speedy response!

Go to MS, log in, and look in "Devices".
Is your old system listed in there?

 

[JakMacCS]

Go to MS, log in, and look in "Devices".
Is your old system listed in there?

Yes it is there

 

[USAFRet]

Yes it is there

Then you should be able to apply that license to the new install in the new system.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

[JakMacCS]

Then you should be able to apply that license to the new install in the new system.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

Ahh you hero, thanks so much for putting up with my ignorance ahaha <3

 

[USAFRet]

Ahh you hero, thanks so much for putting up with my ignorance ahaha <3

"not knowing" is not "ignorance".

We ALL have to ask questions once in a while...

 

[JakMacCS]

"not knowing" is not "ignorance".

We ALL have to ask questions once in a while...

I suppose so yes! On that note hehehe, what chance do you think I have of being able to boot from my existing C drive? I’ve read a few things that say Windows 10’s hardware detection is pretty good however most Of those threads recommend disabling graphics drivers and changing a few windows boot settings beforehand However I won’t be able to do so without fixing the old rig (as you can probably tell I’m very eager to just get the new rig going ASAP ahaha)

 

[USAFRet]

Trying to use the old drive+OS in a new system, there are 3 possible outcomes:

1. It works just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months.

I've seen all 3.
Win 10 is better than previous versions, but by no means 100% "Yes! It always works"

Increasingly, #3 is the end result. A person will report initial success "HA! You guys were wrong!"
Then, a week or so later..."hmm...maybe you were right."


A fresh install is always recommended, often required.

 

[JakMacCS]

Trying to use the old drive+OS in a new system, there are 3 possible outcomes:

1. It works just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months.

I've seen all 3.
Win 10 is better than previous versions, but by no means 100% "Yes! It always works"

Increasingly, #3 is the end result. A person will report initial success "HA! You guys were wrong!"
Then, a week or so later..."hmm...maybe you were right."


A fresh install is always recommended, often required.

I intend to do a fresh install as soon as I’m activated, as a fresh install and new components is absolutely the best way to go always as you said, all I’m after is actually making it in to windows because I have no disk or windows boot on USB and I don’t know how I’d be able to get one by tomorrow when the parts arrive. For now will just have to pray she boots and if not I shall probably be pestering you in this thread tomorrow when I’ve assembled the rig

 

[USAFRet]

I intend to do a fresh install as soon as I’m activated, as a fresh install and new components is absolutely the best way to go always as you said, all I’m after is actually making it in to windows because I have no disk or windows boot on USB and I don’t know how I’d be able to get one by tomorrow when the parts arrive. For now will just have to pray she boots and if not I shall probably be pestering you in this thread tomorrow when I’ve assembled the rig

Install first, then activation.

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

 

[JakMacCS]

Install first, then activation.

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

Ah okay I see, thank you so much for this!