New PC with old hard drives

[Playboi "Jordan Carter" Carti]

So I got a new motherboard, RAM, and CPU for Christmas in order to upgrade my PC, and I want to use the old drives I have currently. I have an SSD with Windows 10 on it, and an HDD with all my applications. I'm going to use the SSD as my OS drive, but do I need to do anything before I install it into my new PC? Such as wipe it and install windows from a USB or can I just plug it in to the new motherboard

[CursedPanther]

Your biggest concern is whether the Windows license that is already on the SSD is transferable to a new PC or not, as in a retail or OEM copy. Functionality speaking used SSD/HDD is the same as any brand new one.

[Spec_Ops_Ape]

Win10 is pretty good at sorting itself out when making major changes except for as mentioned above. You will need to install the drivers for the new motherboard. All goes well you won't even need to reinstall your apps that are on the other drive, just make sure it has the same drive letter as in the previous PC.

[Set-115689]

The win 10 drive might not show up in boot order and you might not be able to boot to it. Get your important data off it before trying stuff. Make a win 10 install usb just in case if you don't have another pc?

A clean install would be better but might end your windows licence for that system ?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

For when trying this, only hookup the OS SSD for now. Leave any other storage drives disconnected. Then enter the OS and double check the Activation page under SETTINGS > Updates and Security.

Then go Uninstall everything to do with the old Motherboard, even if same GPU, wipe all of this out one by one via Control Panel > Programs and Features.

Then update to latest BIOS on new Motherboard, reboot and then ensure everything in BIOS, settings-wise is how you need it to be. Boot to OS SSD and download + install every single most recent Driver for everything the Motherboard has on it, plus your GPU card. Reboot after each install if needed until you are all done.

Then shutdown the PC and connect any secondary drives you need.
Power on, enter the BIOS and ensure the Boot Options / Order has not changed and that your OS SSD is the only boot device.

[UserNotFound]

Unless your old Windows license is a retail one, you might have to get a new set of Windows 10 license. With a retail license, it can be carried over to a completely new setup. But, if yours is an OEM license, it means you have to pony up for a new license as a change in mobo and/or CPU would trigger Windows to request for a new license.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

OEM System Builder does not have the same restrictions as the OEM OS installed by say; Dell, HP, Lenovo...

OEM System Builder will carry over to a new Motherboard, no problems.

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

CursedPanther님이 먼저 게시:

Your biggest concern is whether the Windows license that is already on the SSD is transferable to a new PC or not, as in a retail or OEM copy. Functionality speaking used SSD/HDD is the same as any brand new one.

Had this issue with my latest build. I had the oem key still and called MS and they allowed me to activate it with my new motherboard. If he doesn't have the key, idk. I'd definitely call customer service and explain the situation. They were pretty awesome to work with.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Can also boot from the OS drive, install SPECCY and it will show you your Windows OS product key within the Operating System details.

[[N]ebsun]

If you can get win10 to boot on the new hardware, you can always fresh install without needing usb / cds or anything - go to start > settings > update and security > recovery > "Reset this PC"
It will wipe all data and reinstall windows from scratch - cant remember if a key is required, but i dont think it is