Question What to do software-wise after CPU, RAM, and Motherboard replacement?

[NonsenseSir]

So I'm upgrading my PC's Motherboard, RAM, and CPU. I know how the hardware installation works as I built this PC, but I have no idea what I should do for Windows and keeping all of my files. Any help?

OS: Windows 10

Old:
Motherboard: MSI 970 Gaming
CPU: AMD FX: 8350

New:
Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX B450
CPU: Ryzen 5 2600x

EDIT: I have an SSD with windows and some other files on it and a hard drive with files on it both in my PC

 

[DMAN999]

I would first associate Windows 10 with a Microsoft account so you can re-activate windows after the upgrade.
Then back up all important files to a 2nd HDD or ssd.
Then upgrade the hardware and do a clean install of Windows 10.
Install all the new Motherboard and Chipset drivers.
Then copy any necessary files (pictures, documents, favorites, etc) back to the OS drive.

 

[rgd1101]

backup your file. do a fresh install.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Do you need to keep the files? I would HIGHLY suggest backing up the files you want to keep and then install windows from USB onto your new PC.
If you don't want to reinstall windows:
You likely can use a program like Macrium reflect to copy the old pcs HDD to your new PCs hdd or ssd.

 

[NonsenseSir]

I would first associate Windows 10 with a Microsoft account so you can re-activate windows after the upgrade.
Then back up all important files to a 2nd HDD or ssd.
Then upgrade the hardware and do a clean install of Windows 10.
Install all the new Motherboard and Chipset drivers.
Then copy any necessary files (pictures, documents, favorites, etc) back to the OS drive.

Thanks.
I have an SSD with windows and some other files on it and a hard drive with files on it. By transferring that would all data such as game data be carried over even with a new reinstall of said application/game? Also would I keep the SSD blank for windows to boot from?

 

[DMAN999]

You would need to manually look for the save game files and copy them over to your 2nd drive.
And yes when you do a clean install of Windows you will be formatting the current OS drive which will remove all files from that drive.

 

[NonsenseSir]

You would need to manually look for the save game files and copy them over to your 2nd drive.
And yes when you do a clean install of Windows you will be formatting the current OS drive which will remove all files from that drive.

Could I possibly keep the drive without windows the way it is now? Or would I need to format it as well?

 

[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
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/

 

[DMAN999]

Could I possibly keep the drive without windows the way it is now? Or would I need to format it as well?

You can leave the 2nd drive alone. I would unplug it before Installing Win 10 on the OS drive just to be sure Windows doesn't change anything on it during install.

 

[NonsenseSir]

You can leave the 2nd drive alone. I would unplug it before Installing Win 10 on the OS drive just to be sure Windows doesn't change anything on it during install.

Well that makes it a lot easier. I can just move important files to the second drive I guess.

 

[DMAN999]

Well that makes it a lot easier. I can just move important files to the second drive I guess.

Exactly.