Will I have to rebuy Windows when I upgrade to a new motherboard?

[RealityGap]

I plan on upgrading to Intel Skylake soon which will of course mean I will need a Z170 chipset motherboard. Will I need to rebuy Windows, or what? I've never done this before so I have no idea. I currently have Windows 7, but I am almost certainly going to upgrade to Windows 10 soon, (I already have the option to upgrade, just waiting a bit to pull the trigger).

 

[Mr5oh]

If you have OEM Windows 7, then technically you need a new copy with a new motherboard. Although, generally Microsoft won't deactivate your key just because you re-used it once.

If you have the full retail copy of Windows 7, then you can move it to the new motherboard no problems.

Windows 10 and 8 have different rules. However if you have OEM Windows 7, and upgrade to 10, you will still have an OEM copy that is still tied to one motherboard.

 

[RealityGap]

If you have OEM Windows 7, then technically you need a new copy with a new motherboard. Although, generally Microsoft won't deactivate your key just because you re-used it once.

If you have the full retail copy of Windows 7, then you can move it to the new motherboard no problems.

Windows 10 and 8 have different rules. However if you have OEM Windows 7, and upgrade to 10, you will still have an OEM copy that is still tied to one motherboard.

So it looks like I have an OEM version 😡 Should I swap out the motherboard and then re-enter the product key? Does it make a difference if I switch to Windows 10 now, and will I have to do a clean install of windows and wipe everything when I get a new motherboard?

 

[pctech2005]

you will just have to call ms and activate by phone

 

[Mr5oh]

IT doesn't make a difference if you upgrade after the switch or not. You will most likely find like many people do, is you replace the motherboard, and everything activates just fine. If it's the first time, you may not even have to activate by phone. Don't really have anything to lose by trying it.