Does replacing hard drive mean buying new windows 10?

[Fusion1x]

If I replaced my hard drive would that mean I have to rebuy/install windows 10?

[Sticky Honeybuns]

No, Windows is registered to your Mobo. Just get a new HDD and reinstall.

[Fusion1x]

watchu mean new HDD?

[SundownKid]

HDD = Hard Disk Drive

But you don't need a new Win 10, you can just reactivate it from your key once it's reinstalled

[Fusion1x]

Where do I get my key?

[joetheplumber68]

It came with your Windows OS when you purchased it. If you bought a pre-built machine with Windows already installed you will have to contact Microsoft.

[𝕙.𝕓𝕒𝕣𝕜𝕒𝕤]

If you have Win10 installed on the HDD you want to replace you have to reinstall of course but your Windows license is still valid.
I recommend creating a Microsoft account as this is the most painless method to reinstall Windows on your PC. Be sure you have your installation media at hand.

http://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc%E2%80%99s-hardware/

[Fusion1x]

So I should contact Microsoft or create a Microsoft account? Do I get the key after creating Microsoft acc?

[[☥] - CJ -]

You really dont need to do anything..

use the Program speccy to grab your Windows Key, then you can copy it.
You can then use it when reinstalling Windows onto the new HDD, incase it doesnt automatically verify when you get online.

Simple, without the need of making an account, which is part of the Anniversary update, that not everyone has updated to.

If you do however have the Anniversary update installed, then you do want to go through the account process as explained in the link. This way if you ever change your motherboard you wont need a new OS key.

But just changing the HDD does not require this process.

[Fusion1x]

So just get a new hard drive and replace it and do nothing else? Is it that simple?

[Obsessive Power]

Originally posted by Fusion1x:

So I should contact Microsoft or create a Microsoft account? Do I get the key after creating Microsoft acc?

No, you need to download the 'Speccy' program to get the key for your current Windows install. Either take a picture of the key, write it down or print it out. Then keep the key in a safe place because you'll need it to install Windows again.

Microsoft accounts have nothing to do with your Windows 10 key.

Originally posted by Fusion1x:

So just get a new hard drive and replace it and do nothing else? Is it that simple?

Replacing the hard drive is simple enough, but it will be blank. You'll need to install Windows 10 on it once it's replaced.

You can install Windows 10 from a Disc (which you will need to burn with a DVD R disc, or you can make a bootable USB Flash drive and install it from there.

You can download Windows 10 from Microsoft here:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

[Fusion1x]

Okay so just replace the hard drive and once I turn on my PC I'll be able to get on google chrome and download windows 10 and put my key in?

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

no.

download win 10 installation, turn off pc, unplug pc, hit the on button to discharge any leftover charge, put new drive in, plug in, turn on pc, boot from disc or usb, install win 10, enter key when prompted, get malwarebytes and install that and then do what you want.

[Obsessive Power]

Originally posted by Fusion1x:

Okay so just replace the hard drive and once I turn on my PC I'll be able to get on google chrome and download windows 10 and put my key in?

The hard drive will be blank, nothing on it. When you turn on your PC, you'll get a message that there is no Operating System installed.

You need to make the Windows Disk or bootable USB drive, BEFORE you replace the hard drive.

You'll also need to change drive the PC will look at first when you turn on the PC. If it's a from a Disc, then it will be the PC's DVD drive. If not then it will be the USB.

If this seems complicated, you can find many instruction video's on YouTube. Like this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKbR6XT7fcA

[Fusion1x]

Okay so if I'm using a USB how many gb do I need on the USB?

[Fusion1x]

And how do I change drive the PC will look at when it first starts? I want it to look at USB