Windows 7 License activation with new mainboard/cpu/memory

It's been awhile since I did a fresh install so I would appreciate any feedback with the task.
I have a current W10 digital license linked to my MS account from the original W7 retail copy I bought and did the free upgrade to W10. I have the current W10 USB media downloaded from MS and will be backing up all other relative data and drivers. Going from LGA1366 to LGA1200 which feels like a step back but the new i7 & Z590 will double the speed. The hardware should be easy enough it usually the drivers and software that like to complicate things.

So my question is at the point of the activation process do you still have the option to proceed or skip it for later? I ask because there appears to be no definitive answer on if it will work without a $200.00US retail copy of W10. Which is not a problem I just would like to find out before I spend the extra $. Bonus, there is a Micro Center in town so I could take it back. Thank you for your consideration.

If you upgraded to Windows 10 & it was registered to your account then when you install the same version of Windows 10 you should skip entering the Win 7 key.
You may need to choose ‘I’ve recently changed hardware’ under activation after you log in if it doesn’t.

If I understand this Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change (microsoft.com) it will activate after a MB change just may be some troubleshooting involved

Hello @Hemimax,

I thought that I would post this for you for interest and informational purposes . . .

 License Types and Rules

MS offers Win 10 Licenses in many channels governed by different rules, but for most users, you can only acquire a License through the OEM [ Original Equipment Manufacturer ] or Retail channel.

An OEM License refers to the License that a manufacturer installs on new devices. If this is your case, the Product Key is NOT transferable, and you can NOT use it to Activate another installation [ unless you are re-activating a new installation on the same computer ].

A Retail License refers to the License that you acquire when purchasing a copy of Win 10 from your local store or an online retailer [ such as from MS or Amazon for example ]. If you have a Win 10 Retail License, you CAN transfer the Product Key to another computer, as long as you DEACTIVATE the Product Key on the other computer.

A Volume License is designed for large Businesses, Education, and Government. Usually, a Volume License allows organizations to use one master Product Key to Activate ANY installation of Win 10. Although you can use this License multiple times on different computers, you can NOT transfer it with the device when the system ownership changes, and you are NOT allowed to use the License to Activate devices that are NOT part of the Organization.

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I hope this helps.

Thanks @Paul Black
Everything helps when it comes to MS

Hemimax said:

Thanks @Paul Black
Everything helps when it comes to MS

You are VERY welcome.

If the W7 key fails and I buy a new W10 OEM or Retail DVD can I install the latest 21H1 version with the USB I created with the MS media download tool? All I should need is the new product key?

I should have said my old W7 key is OEM