Is it possible to move W10 to a new motherboard?


  1. DiegoPonga
    Posts : 15
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Is it possible to move W10 to a new motherboard?


    Hi there!

    I have Windows 10 in my current PC (upgraded some months ago from Windows 7). However, this computer doesn't have a good performance when playing video games — or at least, not the desired performance.

    I was thinking about changing the CPU. Nonetheless, my current motherboard is an AM3-socket one, and I would like to take an Intel i7 or something like that. This means I should change my motherboard too.

    Traditionally, Windows couldn't be moved from one motherboard to another. On the other hand, I always heard the opposite when talking about Windows 10.

    Does anybody know?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. OldMike65
    Posts : 134,313
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       New #2

    DiegoPonga said:
    Hi there!

    I have Windows 10 in my current PC (upgraded some months ago from Windows 7). However, this computer doesn't have a good performance when playing video games — or at least, not the desired performance.

    I was thinking about changing the CPU. Nonetheless, my current motherboard is an AM3-socket one, and I would like to take an Intel i7 or something like that. This means I should change my motherboard too.

    Traditionally, Windows couldn't be moved from one motherboard to another. On the other hand, I always heard the opposite when talking about Windows 10.

    Does anybody know?
    Well you do have a chance ....that MS might activate it after you change your MB but you will have to call them and explain why and show poof of your Windows key. Here is a link that you might find interesting to read.
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/c...perience_with/
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  4. jimbo45
    Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       New #3

    OldMike65 said:
    Well you do have a chance ....that MS might activate it after you change your MB but you will have to call them and explain why and show poof of your Windows key. Here is a link that you might find interesting to read.
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/c...perience_with/
    Hi there

    Just try it first before phoning. Sometimes it just Works -- only Ms know about their activation requirements --I once had an activation request on a W7 system simply by adding a DVD drive -- but when I changed a MOBO - it never asked !!!!!!.

    The best way though is DON'T re-install W10 on your new Mobo but back up image to external HDD.
    Fit new MOBO and restore -- W10 will handle change of CPU etc.

    If you do get asked for an activation try inserting the W7 key. Then if that fails you'll have to call Ms but I'm reasonably hopeful it will work.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. DiegoPonga
    Posts : 15
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thank you very much, guys!

    So, in order to have W10 in a different motherboard, I should first make an OS backup. Doesn't seem complicated.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  7. CountMike
    Posts : 19,518
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       New #5

    3 days after upgrading MB, CPU and transferring whole disk to it, it mysteriously got legalized and got digital entitlement and I was just about to install W7 Retail again and upgrade to W10. I'm an insider since day one though and that may had a role.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  8. JohnD
    Posts : 91
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       New #6

    I had a mo-bo failure during a Win10 update. (Long story - the update corrupted the UEFI)

    I replaced the mo-bo with a similar one but a different brand. (ASRock for a Gigabyte).

    After re-fitting everything, the initial switch on was the moment of truth. After a very long time - some 45 minutes - the assembly booted correctly and loaded Win10. Activation was not needed but I did have to reactivate MSOffice2013.

    It was an expensive and stressful procedure but all is now well.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
Motherboard or RAM
in Drivers and Hardware

So here I am working on a large Photoshop image (160 x 250cm @200ppi) when I notice a bit of a slow down. I check my system and notice I only have 24gb RAM ( should be 32gb using 8 sticks ). I check all the ram in different sockets and run Memtest,...
In our Helpdesks we use a lot of time securing data on peoples PC's when PC is reinstalled or replaced. (Mostly our 1500 laptops as the Stationary PC's are using network shares.) We spend much time moving stuff over and setting up mail etc...
Unfortunately………I am starting to feel the upgrade itch. It’s been over 4 years and a new series of Intel desktop CPUs has launched. All I might change are CPU and motherboard---not RAM. I’m seriously considering NOT doing my normal clean...
Motherboard ?
in Drivers and Hardware

Am thinking of replacing the ASRock mobo in one of my machines, nothing wrong with it, just a "learning experience". Have always used ASRock or ASUS mobos and would like to try something new. Thinking of this Gigabyte unit, I like the 3 M.2 slots....
Motherboard
in PC Custom Builds and Overclocking

Do I change my motherboard better one from another laptop ? Excuse me for English
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

 © Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:37.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums