Will upgrading hardware require reinstallation and reactivation of Windows 10?

[modeonoff]

Hello, I remember that about 20 years ago, when we changed some hardware components such as RAM or video card, Windows had issues. We had to reinstall Windows and reactivate the license again. How about Windows 10?

For examples, do I need to reinstall Windows OS if:

1. If I change the RAM
2. I change the GPU
3. If I install Windows in a SSD (SATA III or NVMe m.2) and later move it to another computer with different CPU and motherboard.

Thanks.

 

[Wolfshadw]

1) No.
2) No.
3) Yes.

-Wolf sends

 

[modeonoff]

Thanks. For case 3, what solution do you have if I use the SSD in a temporary PC now and later move it to a more advanced one?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Format.
Reinstall.
Reactivate.

That *IS* the solution. Be sure to have the Windows 10 license assigned to your Microsoft Account first.

-Wolf sends

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks. For case 3, what solution do you have if I use the SSD in a temporary PC now and later move it to a more advanced one?

1. No
2. No
3. Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

And moving to a new system, full wipe and reinstall.

Why are you putting it in a temp system?

 

[modeonoff]

Thanks. Cloning the system in the current system and the de-clone it in a new PC won't work?

Is it better to install the OS and application in one drive and data in another?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks. Cloning the system in the current system and the de-clone it in a new PC won't work?

Is it better to install the OS and application in one drive and data in another?

I'm not sure what you mean by "de-clone".

Install the OS on the drive in the system where it will live.


OS and applications on one drive and data on others? Sure. That is a very common configuration.
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

 

[modeonoff]

I mean I clone the drive that stores the OS, applications and perhaps also user data of an existing PC to an image file. Then, open that image file to restore everything to perhaps a new, empty ssd in a more advanced, new computer. Will it work?

 

[USAFRet]

I mean I clone the drive that stores the OS, applications and perhaps also user data of an existing PC to an image file. Then, open that image file to restore everything to perhaps a new, empty ssd in a more advanced, new computer. Will it work?

No.
A clone is exactly like trying to move the physical drive.

 

[USAFRet]

With the "no" above....it might work, but do NOT count on it.
A clean install in all new hardware is by far the best way forward.