Upgrading hardware(CPU, MB and RAM) and OS from Win 8(HDD) to Win 10(SSD) in which order?

[papineau30]

Hi guys,

I plan on upgrading a 10 years old pc with new hardware. The actual PC is running on Windows 8.1 on a HDD.

What I intend to do is to change the CPU, Motherboard, RAM and HDD for an SSD.
I know that I can't use the free upgrade to Win10 more than once, so I ask you for guidance on how should I proceed with the most efficient way ?

From other posts on the site, I came up with a possible solution and would like to hear your thoughts:
- Clone the current OS(Windows 8) onto the new SSD
- Bring in the new hardware (CPU and MB)
- Upgrade the OS with a free upgrade to Windows 10
- Activate Windows

In case it would help here is the list of the rig:
MB: ASUS M2N-E NF670 to MSI 970 Gaming
CPU: Athlon64 X2 3800 to AMD FX-6300
RAM: Kingston KVR 667 to G.Skill 1600
Drive: Sata 2 Seagate 250gig to OCX 240g

 

[jollypirate]

You need to take a special procedure to install the same windows on new hardware because of the drivers, i would suggest first upgrading the hardware and properly ˝installing˝ windows then just clone the windows to the ssd and upgrade it to win 10.

 

[basroil]

If your 8.1 is OEM, you NEED to buy a new license because you're making a new PC with the same case and PSU.

If you had retail, just build the parts and do a clean install.

 

[papineau30]

My Windows 8.1 is *Not* OEM, so if I understood correctly I should:
1st change my hardware
2nd boot up on my old HDD
3rd Install the SSD and make a clean install on it
4th Format the HDD
5th Upgrade the new rig on the SSD to the free Windows 10 upgrade

Am I right?

 

[papineau30]

If your 8.1 is OEM, you NEED to buy a new license because you're making a new PC with the same case and PSU.

If you had retail, just build the parts and do a clean install.

My Windows 8.1 is *Not* OEM, so if I understood correctly I should:
1st change my hardware
2nd boot up on my old HDD
3rd Install the SSD and make a clean install on it
4th Format the HDD
5th Upgrade the new rig on the SSD to the free Windows 10 upgrade

Am I right?

 

[basroil]

My Windows 8.1 is *Not* OEM, so if I understood correctly I should:
1st change my hardware
2nd boot up on my old HDD
3rd Install the SSD and make a clean install on it
4th Format the HDD
5th Upgrade the new rig on the SSD to the free Windows 10 upgrade

Am I right?

No, all wrong there. It should be:
1) Follow the instructions at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 to make an installer
2) Install your NEW hardware, do NOT use the old disk
3) Install windows using your 8.1 key when you are prompted
4) Enjoy not having to do do anything that takes more time than it should