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Is it possible to move W10 to a new motherboard?


Hi there!

I have Windows 10 in my current PC (upgraded some months ago from Windows 7). However, this computer doesn't have a good performance when playing video games — or at least, not the desired performance.

I was thinking about changing the CPU. Nonetheless, my current motherboard is an AM3-socket one, and I would like to take an Intel i7 or something like that. This means I should change my motherboard too.

Traditionally, Windows couldn't be moved from one motherboard to another. On the other hand, I always heard the opposite when talking about Windows 10.

Does anybody know?

Hi there!

I have Windows 10 in my current PC (upgraded some months ago from Windows 7). However, this computer doesn't have a good performance when playing video games — or at least, not the desired performance.

I was thinking about changing the CPU. Nonetheless, my current motherboard is an AM3-socket one, and I would like to take an Intel i7 or something like that. This means I should change my motherboard too.

Traditionally, Windows couldn't be moved from one motherboard to another. On the other hand, I always heard the opposite when talking about Windows 10.

Does anybody know?
Well you do have a chance ....that MS might activate it after you change your MB but you will have to call them and explain why and show poof of your Windows key. Here is a link that you might find interesting to read.

Well you do have a chance ....that MS might activate it after you change your MB but you will have to call them and explain why and show poof of your Windows key. Here is a link that you might find interesting to read.
Hi there

Just try it first before phoning. Sometimes it just Works -- only Ms know about their activation requirements --I once had an activation request on a W7 system simply by adding a DVD drive -- but when I changed a MOBO - it never asked !!!!!!.

The best way though is DON'T re-install W10 on your new Mobo but back up image to external HDD.
Fit new MOBO and restore -- W10 will handle change of CPU etc.

If you do get asked for an activation try inserting the W7 key. Then if that fails you'll have to call Ms but I'm reasonably hopeful it will work.

Cheers
jimbo

Thank you very much, guys!

So, in order to have W10 in a different motherboard, I should first make an OS backup. Doesn't seem complicated.

3 days after upgrading MB, CPU and transferring whole disk to it, it mysteriously got legalized and got digital entitlement and I was just about to install W7 Retail again and upgrade to W10. I'm an insider since day one though and that may had a role.

I had a mo-bo failure during a Win10 update. (Long story - the update corrupted the UEFI)

I replaced the mo-bo with a similar one but a different brand. (ASRock for a Gigabyte).

After re-fitting everything, the initial switch on was the moment of truth. After a very long time - some 45 minutes - the assembly booted correctly and loaded Win10. Activation was not needed but I did have to reactivate MSOffice2013.

It was an expensive and stressful procedure but all is now well.

Is it possible to move W10 to a new motherboard?