Transfer installation to new hardware

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  1. Posts : 84
    Windows 10 Pro 1909
       #1

    Transfer installation to new hardware


    I'm upgrading to a new ASUS motherboard, new chipset (x79 to x99) and a new processor. I'm going to try to run my current Windows 10 installation (a retail copy - not OEM) without reinstalling from scratch.

    On the previous install (after backing everything up) I removed as many of the old system drivers as made sense (USB3, graphics, etc..) and deactivated any software that needed that. I'm close to ready to see what happens. If it all fails then I'll just reinstall from scratch - which I'll do anyway on some rainy day. I'm just interested in seeing how well Windows 10 will cope with such a change of hardware - though it's still an ASUS Deluxe board, a recent Intel Chipset, and a fairly recent processor.

    BUT - HERE'S THE QUESTION: When one makes such a major hardware change Windows10 will certainly complain and require reactivation. But is there any grace period??

    I'm hoping I might have a couple of days to confirm that everything works properly before having to call Microsoft. If there's a serious hardware issue then I would have to revert back to my old hardware until any problems are resolved.

    Does anyone here know what will likely happen? I'm just concerned that I might be stuck with a computer that's locked until reactivated and then find that there's a serious problem with the new system.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Windows 10 will de-activate on the first boot on the new hardware. The only thing you will lose is some of the personalization settings customization and you will start getting nag screens to activate Windows 10.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 84
    Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #3

    NavyLCDR said:
    You will start getting nag screens to activate Windows 10.
    Any idea how long that will last? Just wondering if I will at least have a few days to confirm that all's well before being forced to call MS (or trying to activate automatically)?

    Thanks for the reply
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    RPmtl said:
    Any idea how long that will last? Just wondering if I will at least have a few days to confirm that all's well before being forced to call MS (or trying to activate automatically)?

    Thanks for the reply
    As far as I know it will go on indefinitely.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 84
    Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #5

    NavyLCDR said:
    As far as I know it will go on indefinitely.
    That should give me enough time ;-)

    Thanks!
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 84
    Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #6

    On my main work system I boot both Win7 and Win10 by swapping out SSD's in a mobile rack. I just got the new system up and running and Windows 7 loaded without problems. I'm just finishing installing all the new drivers. Next I have to see if Microsoft will oblige me to call and activate. Once that's done I'll do the same with my Windows 10 SSD. So far it's all clear sailing )
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 84
    Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Neither activated without a phone call. Windows 7 activated via the automated system while Windows 10 required speaking with an agent. She confirmed that all my numbers were valid and then gave me a new Windows 10 Key which worked and will work again if/when I do the next clean re-installation.

    Both Win7 and Win10 seemed to have survived the brain transplant and are now properly activated.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    Not sure why a phone call would have to be made, a retail key should work on new hardware as long as the old is retired.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #9

    AddRAM said:
    Not sure why a phone call would have to be made, a retail key should work on new hardware as long as the old is retired.
    Having to make the phone call is the way that you tell Microsoft that you have retired the old installation that it was previously used for.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    I know why it`s made, I don`t understand why it would have to be made, I never have/had to with a retail key.

    An OEM or System Builders key sure, but not a Retail key.

    As long as the Retail key doesn`t show up again on any other hardware, there should be no reason for a phone call, it`s all done through the servers.
      My Computers


 

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