My PC's motherboard and processor were bought in 2010. I currently have an i3 processor. I am planning to upgrade to i7 with a new motherboard. Is there a way that I don't have to reinstall windows and software after hardware upgrade? I am currently running Windows 10-64 bit (version 1607 build 14393.1944)
Last edited by archz2; 31 Dec 2017 at 03:29.
Hi there
some of the PRO versions of Macrium / Acronis allow backup to be made and then restore to different hardware --usually works well -- if there are any totally new drivers needed that can't be found after the install then Windows will usually find them after initial boot.
Note though you probably will need to re-activate Windows again --not always a given but probably likely. If you got a retail version of Windows activation can be done by phone - just say got new hardware. Sometimes though even on a Mobo change Windows doesn't require re-activation -- Lottery there !!!
Cheers
jimbo
It's quite possible that Windows will be able to detect the new hardware automatically the first time you boot up on the new hardware.
I personally just upgraded an i7-3770 system (from 2012) without doing anything to Windows. When I booted up with the old hard drive Windows detected everything and started up normally.
Edit: I did have to re-activate. The troubleshooter that allows you to link your MS account didn't work (kept saying servers were down) so I had to use the live chat to have customer support fix the activation.
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