Easiest way to transfer win10 to new system

ancientmariner · 27 Nov 2018 at 20:48

Just about to start putting my new build together. Just dawned on me I have never reused a win 10 product key. Windows 10 on my current desktop was activated by using my old laptops Win 7 product key to activate Win 10, so it's a legit version of 10 Home. I want to use this product key on my new build. Can i simply transfer my c drive to new system and re-enter product key when prompted or do I have to deativate the license on my current system and use it on new build once setup? Or is there another way?

ED209 · 27 Nov 2018 at 20:59

When doing a new build I would always do a clean install as then stops any conflicts from the old system to the new but I have seen people use the same hdd and stuff it in a new system without any issues.

Do you sign in with a Microsoft account as I have heard that if you do you can move it this way as tied to your account.

If you don't then it depends on what version of windows 7 you upgraded from.

Windows 10 oem in tied to the mobo and activated by hardware Id once online, this cannot be moved.

Windows 10 (or 7 in your case as you upgraded) retail can be moved to a new system.

Someone may have more expirance in this as I don't use windows 10 (stuck with 7) nor do I have a Microsoft account either but above is just my general understanding of it.

ancientmariner · 27 Nov 2018 at 21:05

Thanks for the reply pal, my win 10 is associated with my microsoft account and I login with a 4 digit pin. Would be handy if i could simply transplant the drive. I recently reset windows 10 without losing any data so i planned to repeat that process if i could transplant the drive.

PiKe · 27 Nov 2018 at 21:08

You can literally move the drive across, after a reboot it'll work just fine.

Windows 10 is way more tolerant to drastic hardware changes than 7 ever was.

ancientmariner · 27 Nov 2018 at 21:11

Cheers PiKe thats going to make life a lot easier. Appreciate the reply pal.

PiKe · 27 Nov 2018 at 21:13

You will just need to go into Settings, Updates and Activation and hit troubleshooting to get it to reactivate.

ancientmariner · 27 Nov 2018 at 21:23

Had a quick look there and my in windows settings headers are different. No Updates and Activation section. Under the update and security header i have Win Update, Win security, Troubleshoot and Activation among others. Under the Troubleshoot header, the closest thing i can see is Windows Update. There is an option under Troubleshoot to upgrade Windows via the Windows store. Am sure i will work it out, cheers all.