[SOLVED] Windows install on old Motherboard

bjohn93

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Jan 29, 2019
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This may be a dumb question, but I'm considering building into a new case & just curious about this..

I have a motherboard form a previous build, Asus rog maximus xi hero that has an OEM Windows key associated with it.
My current OS is installed on my nvme drive in my current PC, going to use this in my new build to prevent having to buy all new parts.

My question is, will this cause any interference? I've never switched parts like this before and just curious should I look out for any troubles.
Would a clean re-install be the best way to go with my current digital Windows key?
 
Solution
The problem is both the license key(s) AND the actual install.

Assuming Win 10, the license key can probably be worked around.
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



The actual install, however...
A Windows install is NOT modular. You can't just swap a drive+OS between systems and motherboards.

Trying to do so, there are 3 possible outcomes:
  1. It works just fine.
  2. It fails completely.
  3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months.
#1 is the least likely to occur.

Clean install on whatever drive and motherboard is relevant...
The problem is both the license key(s) AND the actual install.

Assuming Win 10, the license key can probably be worked around.
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



The actual install, however...
A Windows install is NOT modular. You can't just swap a drive+OS between systems and motherboards.

Trying to do so, there are 3 possible outcomes:
  1. It works just fine.
  2. It fails completely.
  3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months.
#1 is the least likely to occur.

Clean install on whatever drive and motherboard is relevant.
 
Solution