Windows 10 Pro reinstall after significant upgrade

Hi everyone,

I took advantage of the Prime Day sales to buy upgrades for an old desktop computer. I'm replacing the motherboard, CPU, and RAM. The GPU had been replaced more recently. I currently have an SSD for the OS that I'm fine with wiping, and an HDD for all my data. I wouldn't mind replacing the SSD with a larger one for the reinstall.

The computer currently has an old version of Windows 10 Pro (1703, build 15063.1418). It was upgraded from Windows 7 that I think was installed with the Daz Loader way back when. I'd like to do a clean install because the oldness of the current components prevented the computer from updating past 1703, and I'd like a fresh install to go with the new upgrades.

How can I keep my current Windows 10 Pro license with a fresh install after upgrading?

Welcome to TenForums!

Because of the major changes, including replacing with a whole new MB and CPU, Windows won't recognize that system as having been licensed. So, before you make those changes, make sure that your current installation is activated and that you are logged on with a Microsoft account.

Then, after you install Windows 10 with the new components, you will want to run the activation troubleshooter to tell it that you are effectively moving the license to a new system. See this tutorial for details:

Use Activation Troubleshooter in Windows 10

If you have a genuine Windows 7 or higher key and won't activate automatically online, you can always activate by phone. If the option is not presented, run slui 4 in a command prompt and you should get there. Call your local Microsoft number and you will either be directed to an interactive activation service or to a representative. In the activation service you will be asked to type all the activation assistant numbers you see on your screen. Then you will be given the activation code. If you are not fast enough it is better to write it down and type it later. Don't close the call before activating, there is an option to hear the code again in case of a mistake. So activation should not be an issue. I recommend to go ahead and install Windows 10 22H2. I would download any available drivers (Vista or 7 or 8) before installing, just in case. I would start with the chipset driver and then graphics and anything else. If you install the official drivers you might also improve performance, not rely on Windows Update. It takes more time and effort but the performance difference and stability is worth it.