A couple years ago I updated my PC. I saved the old motherboard, ram, and cpu. I hated seeing them just sitting there, so I put them in a case. I am about to install windows, but I cannot remember what which version (home, pro, etc) that I had. I think home. I am just not sure.
Which version should I install so it activates correctly?
A basic Windows installation doesn't take long these days. So install the most likely one (you think Home) first & if it activates with a digital licence than all is good. If not install Pro instead & see if that activates.
As soon as you have completed the install & connected to the internet it should activate (or not) - certainly within a very few minutes if not instantly.
CPU should not affect activation (I have changed CPUs/RAM/disks without affecting activation). As far as I am aware activation is linked only to the motherboard.
The version of Windows doesn't matter as it is based on the Windows Product key you had. So, if you had Windows 10 Home installed previously, when you install Windows you will end up with the Home version. Same as if you had Pro installed previously. If there is no product key saved in the Bios, you may see the message to type in a key or you can click, I do not have a key at this time. After installation, Windows will activate automatically once it is on the internet, in most cases.
There will only be a product key in the BIOS for an OEM machine originally supplied with Windows 8 or later.
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