[SOLVED] Transferring Win10 to New Build

[dakzhul]

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a new PC build but I was able to salvage my HDD from my previous PC. I plan on using this HDD as backup storage and then an SSD for everything else, but can I still use the Win10 that's already loaded on this HDD?

So to summarize, can I use an old copy of Win10 on my new build if it's saved on a HDD that I plan on using? No I do not have an activation code as this was part of the Win7 upgrade a few years ago.


Thanks!

 

[jay32267]

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a new PC build but I was able to salvage my HDD from my previous PC. I plan on using this HDD as backup storage and then an SSD for everything else, but can I still use the Win10 that's already loaded on this HDD?

So to summarize, can I use an old copy of Win10 on my new build if it's saved on a HDD that I plan on using? No I do not have an activation code as this was part of the Win7 upgrade a few years ago.


Thanks!

I recommend a clean install....as that version on the HDD was installed on a machine with different hardware than your new PC will have (most likely). I've had this cause issues.

 

[USAFRet]

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

Windows build 1607 and Activation

So, the Anniversary release is out, and many people have updated their machines. Interesting changes with activation and hardware changes. Specifically, the Activation troubleshooter: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20527/windows-... You must link your OS license with your MS account...

forums.tomshardware.com

For the actual operation, you probably need to do a full wipe and reinstall in the new hardware.

When building up a new system and wanting to use the old OS, basically 3 possibilities:

1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing issues for weeks.

I've seen all 3.

A fresh install is strongly recommended, often required.

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

 

[dakzhul]

I had a feeling it would be best to do a fresh install - glad I picked up a copy so I'm ready whenever!

Thanks!

 

[jay32267]

I had a feeling it would be best to do a fresh install - glad I picked up a copy so I'm ready whenever!

Thanks!

You're welcome.
I think it's ALWAYS better to do a clean install in situations like this.
I think cutting corners in this case has the potential to have you spending a lot more time cleaning up the mess than doing a clean install from the get go.

 

[captaincharisma]

is your previos PC still in working order? you need to make sure your copy of windows is linked to a microsoft account in order to have a chance of transferring it over. if your previos PC was a prebuilt then its hard to say if that will work

this is a gray area situation where the transfer process is supposed to be for situations like if you had to replace a failed motherbord in your old PC. it was not ment to be used to transfer a windows 10 liscence over to a completly new PC.

 

[dakzhul]

Hello everyone,

I went the route of just doing a fresh install of 10 onto my new SSD. I have not hooked the old HDD in yet, but do you think it is safe to hook it up and delete the old 10 without any issues?