Question Swapping out a Mother Board, CPU and RAM

[nevica1]

Hello,

I have a home built PC. It is running WIN 11 from an onboard NVME RAM. It also has Solid state memory RAM attached. Specs are X570 Mobo with Ryzen 5600X CPU and AM4 16GB RAM.

My question is: I'd like to upgrade the motherboard to B850 with Ryzen 9700X CPU and AM5 RAM.
Can I carry out a simple swap out of MOBO, CPU and RAM and then reattach the NVME memory to run WIN 11 or will I have to reinstall WIn 11 from scratch and loose all my files?

Thanks,

Nevica

 

[USAFRet]

Can I carry out a simple swap out of MOBO, CPU and RAM and then reattach the NVME memory to run WIN 11 or will I have to reinstall WIn 11 from scratch and loose all my files?

An OS reinstall should NEVER result in "lose all my files".

And yes, a full wipe and reinstall is strongly recommended, usually required.

 

[nevica1]

Let me rephrase my question. Can I back up my files/programs/settings somewhere and then reload after the new OS install.

Also, will I have to buy an new WIN 11 key or can it be transferred to the new MOBO.

Thanks.

 

[Misgar]

will I have to reinstall WIn 11 from scratch and loose all my files?

It's good practice to backup all your personal files to an external drive, USB key, the cloud, etc., in case things go wrong. If you choose the option to perform fresh install of Windows, you might end up wiping the drive.

It's relatively easy to reinstall Windows and all your favourite programs, but if you don't have personal files (documents, photos, home videos) backed up, you may regret it.

Can I back up my files/programs/settings somewhere and then reload after the new OS install.

You can (manually) backup your files, but you may have to reinstall some/all third party (non Microsoft) programs.

If you run an in-place-upgrade (which might not be applicable after a mobo swap) you shouldn't lose any programs, settings or data.
https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-in-place-upgrade/

If you peform a clean install, you'll have to reinstall third party apps and copy your data files over from backups.

Also, will I have to buy an new WIN 11 key or can it be transferred to the new MOBO.

You'll probably have to buy a new license and key, but you might be able to phone Microsoft and convince them you won't be using the old mobo. It all depends on whether you've got a Retail License, an OEM License or a Pirated License.

Remember, an Activation Key is not the same a Windows License. The key unlocks Windows. The License (when legitimate) permits you to use Windows. Cheap $15 keys purchased online are probably split from Educational or Volume License packs and hence not legitimate for Home users.

 

[nevica1]

Hello,

If I know the windows 11 product key in my current version of WIN11 can I not just transfer this to the new MOBO and the reinstalled Win11 on this MOBO. Is this possible?

 

[Misgar]

If I know the windows 11 product key in my current version of WIN11 can I not just transfer this to the new MOBO and the reinstalled Win11 on this MOBO. Is this possible?

Since you have a home built PC, you may have a transferrable Retail License, if you purchased it direct from Microsoft or from Amazon direct (not a reseller). A Retail License tends to be the most expensive type (roughly $100 for Windows Home, $200 for Windows Professional). A Retail License allows you to transfer Windows from one computer build to another. You may need to contact Microsoft if they detect a major hardware change when you fit a new mobo and CPU and then access the internet.

Alternatively, you may have bought a cheaper OEM License, intended for system integrators planning to sell on the PC to a customer. To comply with Microsoft's licensing Terms and Conditions, you're not supposed to use an OEM License on your own personal computer, unless you bought the computer from Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc. OEM Licenses are normally "tied" to a single machine and are not transferrable.

If you bought an amazingly cheap key online, chances are you've joined hundreds or thousands of people using the same identical key, split from an Educational License pack (for use in schools, colleges, universities) or a Volume License pack (for business and corporate users, with hundreds or thousands of employees). If you're not a member of the Enterprise or Educational establishment, to whom the multi License pack was originally sold, you're running "knocked off" software and the License is not valid for home use.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-your-windows-license-legal-should-you-even-care/

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/check-if-windows-key-is-genuine

If you bought an expensive Retail Pack, you're legit. If you bought an OEM pack by mistake or were duped into buying part of a volume pack, best of luck. You'll probably get Windows installed on the new machine with an OEM or pirated key, but you won't have a legitimate license. I wouldn't recommend contacting Microsoft direct to revalidate the installation, unless you have a Retail Pack.

I don't understand why people happily shell out $15 for a pirated key (and invalid license) when there are nefarious (illegal) ways to install and activate Windows absolutely free. If you're happy knowingly to flout Microsoft's T's and C's, why pay the scammers $15? These cheap mis-sold keys can be revoked at any time by Microsoft, but most people get away with it.

 

[USAFRet]

Hello,

If I know the windows 11 product key in my current version of WIN11 can I not just transfer this to the new MOBO and the reinstalled Win11 on this MOBO. Is this possible?

Where did the existing license come from?