Windows 10 - hardware change-new HDD

[discovery1031]

Hello,
I want to add a new hard drive to my PC but I have a question regarding Windows. Will Windows 10 deactivate if it detects the new hard drive? (The purpose of the new hard drive is to store data not copy windows on it). Should I link my windows activation to a microsoft account just to be certain or is it unnecessary?(I don't have a microsoft account and I'd prefer not to create one)
Also, does a BIOS update count as a hardware change? I'd like to update my BIOS for better AMD Ryzen performance but I am afraid of Windows deactivating and I'm not in the mood of going into Microsof phone support, etc.
Thank you!! 😀

 

[WyomingKnott]

No, I juggle HDDs and SSDs all the time and don't get any activation issues.

 

[kiltannen]

In all honesty, So long as you change out one component at a time you are pretty much OK.

Having said that - adding a new HDD is so minor it probably would not trigger any kind of activation issue under any circumstances

Flashing your bios OTOH could cause a concern, so you would want to do that AND NOTHING ELSE at the same time.