Rebuilding machine. How do I verify and re-install my Windows 10?


  1. CalypsoArt
    Posts : 83
    Win10
       New #1

    Rebuilding machine. How do I verify and re-install my Windows 10?


    I did my last built this machine in 2012. Over the years I made occasional upgrades--SSD, memory, and eventually WIN 10 from Win 7. However, the machine is showing its age and I think a new build is close at hand. I intend to use the same case/power SSD etc., while replacing the Mobo, processor, and memory. In this age without installation DVDs and serial numbers, what is the procedure to reload my LEGAL copy Windows 10 on the revised machine?
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  3. Samuria
    Posts : 8,108
    windows 10
       New #2

    In theory as its new hardware you should buy a new copy of Windows but ten seems more forgiving if you install and login with you Ms account there is a good chance it will activate all details are now on Ms servers so you don't need serial you can just skip that bit
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  4. Fafhrd
    Posts : 1,983
    Windows 10 x86 14383 Insider Pro and Core 10240
       New #3

    There should be no requirement to purchase Windows 10 again on a replacement machine for the original home build.

    Make sure that your current digital license for Windows 10 is linked to your Microsoft account:

    Link Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Digital License Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

    - before you rebuild the system.

    On the rebuild, after installation of Windows 10, sign in with your Microsoft account, and activation should follow.

    If there are problems, post on the Windows Updates and Activation - Windows 10 Forums forum for help.
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  6. zbook
    Posts : 41,472
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       New #4

    See these links:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ardware-change
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...rosoft-windows
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-10-activation
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...?os=windows-10
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  7. cereberus
    Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       New #5

    Samuria said:
    In theory as its new hardware you should buy a new copy of Windows but ten seems more forgiving if you install and login with you Ms account there is a good chance it will activate all details are now on Ms servers so you don't need serial you can just skip that bit
    Not true - the link with MS account only enables user to reactivate in event of a hardware change. This is a manual process using activation troubleshooter.
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  8. cereberus
    Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       New #6

    Fafhrd said:
    There should be no requirement to purchase Windows 10 again on a replacement machine for the original home build.

    Make sure that your current digital license for Windows 10 is linked to your Microsoft account:

    Link Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Digital License Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

    - before you rebuild the system.

    On the rebuild, after installation of Windows 10, sign in with your Microsoft account, and activation should follow.

    If there are problems, post on the Windows Updates and Activation - Windows 10 Forums forum for help.
    No - activation will not follow. OP has to run activation troubleshooter to reactivate new pc.
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  9. NavyLCDR
    Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #7

    @zbook's post #4 is the right scoop, directly from Microsoft.
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