switching from amd to intel. would i have to re install windows?

[Banko]

right now i have a amd cpu and motherboard but i just bought a intel cpu and motherboard. would i have to reinstall windows? it would be nice if i didnt have to because i have a lot of games on my ssd and i dont wanna have to re install them

 

[Aspiring techie]

That depends if you have an OEM operating system. If you have a retail version you should just be able to just switch the mobo. If you have an OEM, then you have to get a new OS.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, you will have to reinstall the OS.
For your games, if they are Steam or Origin, you can probably move those elsewhere, and after the reinstall (incl the Steam client), move them back.

The steamapps folder is what you're looking for.
"Browse to the Steam installation folder for the Steam installation you would like to move (C:\Program Files\Steam by default). Delete all of the files and folders except the SteamApps folder and Steam.exe. Cut and paste the whole Steam folder to the new location, for example: D:\Games\Steam\"

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

 

[bignastyid]

Yes, switching you cpu and motherboard would require a reinstall no matter if the os is retail or OEM(although OEM may require you to buy a new license).

 

[USAFRet]

That depends if you have an OEM operating system. If you have a retail version you should just be able to just switch the mobo. If you have an OEM, then you have to get a new OS.

OEM or retail, a reinstall of the OS is almost certainly required.

OEM vs retail only speaks to the licensing, not the operation.