Replacing hardware on already unactivated windows 10

[LiberatedPudding]

I have a unactivated version of Windows 10 pro and I'm looking to upgrade the CPU I was wondering if my windows version even though unactivated will have further problem if I replace the CPU and it recognizes it as a "new" system. I have just yesterday replaced the GPU and had no problems. Any speculation or ideas are welcome. Thanks

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Won't matter at all CPU changes don't change an activation status.

 

[USAFRet]

A CPU change does not usually trigger a reactivation.

 

[photonboy]

Yep.
Even if it DID trigger a reactivation it's a simple process likely just requiring a single click when prompted.

*It's generally the MOTHERBOARD SOCKET that ties Windows to the computer.

Microsoft's algorithm is not clear. One part may not trigger an activation, but multiple parts and/or software changes can. They've toned it down a lot because a few years ago it was hassling me far too often when upgrading people's computers.

Again though, basically if you don't change the motherboard to a new socket there's little to worry about. (same socket but different model is considered a "repair build" meaning it's the same PC but the motherboard may have died. A different socket assumes it's a new PC since that is obviously a new CPU etc).

 

[Colif]

And since win 10 build 1607 that motherboard may now no longer tie windows to the PC, the login does (or can if you use a MSA to login or follow this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change)

Have you tested that photonboy? since 1607? I have no way of doing it myself so wasn't sure where the line is with swapping motherbaord - the web site i linked isn't specific enough

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Photon is wrong Colif is right.

A lot of hardware changes are now allowed.

Windows 10 is now tied to your microsoft account , not so much about the hardware anymore.

 

[sykozis]

What is it tied to if you don't use an MSA?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://windows.wonderhowto.com/how-to/psa-you-can-run-windows-10-without-microsoft-account-0163711/
It would be tied to a local account , but Microsoft prefers you setup a Microsoft account.

 

[Colif]

I currently haven't tied mine to an MSA and it says in activation: Windows is activated with a digital licence. It stays tied to motherboard until you link it to the email address you give them. Most users had it automatically linked to their MSA the first time they login with it - thew MSA is the email address you used to register a copy of win 10, it doesn't have to be a microsoft email address, mine is a gmail account... i just don't use it.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Best Solution should be changed to Colif.

 

[sykozis]

I refuse to use an MSA....

 

[Colif]

As Sr71 said, the number of changes you can make now means you might not need to use it anyway. If you don't change many parts it doesn't make any difference. Its just there so people can swap parts now and not have to ring Microsoft all the time.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I have all 5 of mine tied to a Microsoft account they are loaded with build 1607.

 

[USAFRet]

I refuse to use an MSA....

You do not have to use it all the time.
Link the license to a MS account.

When and if you need to change the hardware (motherboard), log on with that MS account and do what it says regarding activation.
Later, continue using your local account as you were before

 

[USAFRet]

As Sr71 said, the number of changes you can make now means you might not need to use it anyway. If you don't change many parts it doesn't make any difference. Its just there so people can swap parts now and not have to ring Microsoft all the time.

It was always thus.
The motherboard, an/or too many other parts at the same time.

MS has always been fuzzy on exactly what triggers a reactivation.

With the 1607 release, the motherboard still triggers a reactivation. Just that now, you do not need a new license for that activation.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I have changed both of my son's motherboards and I just signed in and reactivated , no issues , very easy now.