Install new motherboard- Install before or after Win10 upgrade?

I have an HTPC on Windows 7 that I want to upgrade to Windows 10. I want to change the motherboard to an mini-ITX format. Should I install Windows 10 before or after changing out the motherboard? Trying to avoid a hangup.

Personally I would do it first that way any hitches would be sorted out with the windows I had on the hard drive

I have an HTPC on Windows 7 that I want to upgrade to Windows 10. I want to change the motherboard to an mini-ITX format. Should I install Windows 10 before or after changing out the motherboard? Trying to avoid a hangup.

License is tied up to MB, so better install after the change. It's also likely that you would have to reinstall anyway.

Personally I would do it first that way any hitches would be sorted out with the windows I had on the hard drive

You should upgrade the computer mobo with Win7 before you upgrade Win7 to Win10. If you upgrade to Win 10 first, when you change the mobo, your Win10 will not activate and you will have to buy a new copy of Win10. Win 10 is only free on the computer you upgrade a previous version. Changing the mobo is equivalent to a new computer and you will need a new licence.

Bob Frost

Is the current Windows 7 install OEM or Retail?

Is the current Windows 7 install OEM or Retail?

It is the retail Family Pack of Windows 7 Home upgrade.

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I will go ahead with the MB swap before upgrading to Win10.

It is the retail Family Pack of Windows 7 Home upgrade.

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I will go ahead with the MB swap before upgrading to Win10.

Ok, being Retail, that makes life easier. Yeah, I'd swap motherboards first. Then do the phone activation, if needed. Then do the free upgrade to 10. I'd want the Windows 10 activation tied directly to the new motherboard.

I'd want the Windows 10 activation tied directly to the new motherboard.

Good point. Thx.

I did exactly this. I changed the mobo on a win 8.1 system, activated it over the internet and then upgraded to win 10. Windows 10 was automatically activated.
Keith