Windows 10 transfer?

[Cosmo_3]

So guys, I am building a new computer. I have a 1tb hard drive in my current computer which has windows 10 currently installed on it. If i put this into my new computer will it load windows 10 still or will i have to buy a new windows 10?

 

[Wolfshadw]

If your Windows 10 license is tied to a Microsoft Login Account, then you can transfer the license over to the new system, but a fresh Windows install would still be recommended.

-Wolf sends

 

[Obakasama]

Depends on your licence.

If that HDD was part of a pre-built, then no.
An OEM licence is like a pre-built's, but I've seen mention that it can be transferred.
A full retail version can be transferred.

In any case, reinstalling Windows is advisable for stability.

 

[USAFRet]

So guys, I am building a new computer. I have a 1tb hard drive in my current computer which has windows 10 currently installed on it. If i put this into my new computer will it load windows 10 still or will i have to buy a new windows 10?

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

Also, where did your current Win 10 come from, specifically?

 

[Cosmo_3]

This PC is second hand but they guy who i bought it off built it himself so he most likely installed it onto the hard drive himself

 

[USAFRet]

This PC is second hand but they guy who i bought it off built it himself so he most likely installed it onto the hard drive himself

So we have no idea....:lol:
Go through the above links and see if it is 1. Valid, and 2. can be linked to your MS account.

If that fails, you will need to purchase a new OS for your new PC.
And eitherway, you need to do a full clean install on the new system.


For future reference, for any used PC...you need to do a full wipe and reinstall of the OS and everything else.
For your protection as well as his.

 

[Cosmo_3]

This PC is second hand but they guy who i bought it off built it himself so he most likely installed it onto the hard drive himself

So we have no idea....:lol:
Go through the above links and see if it is 1. Valid, and 2. can be linked to your MS account.

If that fails, you will need to purchase a new OS for your new PC.
And eitherway, you need to do a full clean install on the new system.


For future reference, for any used PC...you need to do a full wipe and reinstall of the OS and everything else.
For your protection as well as his.

It is linked to my account yes and is "legit"

 

[USAFRet]

It is linked to my account yes and is "legit"

OK. The only way to really know is to do it.

It will still need a full install on your new hardware.

And my previous statement still stands..."for any used PC blah blah..."

 

[Cosmo_3]

It is linked to my account yes and is "legit"

OK. The only way to really know is to do it.

It will still need a full install on your new hardware.

And my previous statement still stands..."for any used PC blah blah..."

So, because its all legit or whatever i dont need to buy another win 10?

 

[USAFRet]

So, because its all legit or whatever i dont need to buy another win 10?

Correct.
Your current PC will have no license, but the new one will after you transfer it, per the above instructions.

 

[dextermat]

Hi,
If it is a home version (non pro) it will ask to be activated, most likely you will have an error and will have to buy it again.

 

[Cosmo_3]

So, because its all legit or whatever i dont need to buy another win 10?

Correct.
Your current PC will have no license, but the new one will after you transfer it, per the above instructions.

Im not going to be using my current pc anyway so thats fine, if push comes to shove then i will just re-buy Windows

 

[Cosmo_3]

Hi,
If it is a home version (non pro) it will ask to be activated, most likely you will have an error and will have to buy it again.

Its windows 10 pro

 

[USAFRet]

Hi,
If it is a home version (non pro) it will ask to be activated, most likely you will have an error and will have to buy it again.

No, Win 10 does not work that way. The licensing changed significantly last August.
As per the above links, you can usually transfer that to new hardware. Home vs Pro does not matter.