Fresh Windows install with CPU upgrade

[JamesW28]

I'm looking for advice and safe practices for doing a fresh windows install when I install my new motherboard and CPU
I'm switching from an i7-8700k to a Ryzen 5 7600 so I think it'll be best to do a fresh windows install to be safe

What's the best way to do this step by step?
I do have a windows USB drive ready but I'm unsure about a few things
I'm assuming my C drive will have to be backed up first, then only connect my C drive to make it easier

Then I'm unsure if I the first things I should do is to go to BIOS to check temps, then go straight to boot to my USB drive to reinstall windows, or should I boot to windows normally after BIOS to possibly make sure the windows activation key transfers correctly
I'm also unsure about uninstalling anything on the C drive before switching mobos, but I assume I won't need to worry since windows will wipe my C drive anyway

If anyone has any tips or advise that'd be awesome!
I know I can check my key but I'm unsure how that would work if I re-enter it on my new system, if it will overwrite the old one
It's obviously not a huge deal if I do have to get another windows key but I'd obviously prefer to be safe and avoid that and do everything properly

Windows 10
ASUS Prime Z370-P -> MSI B650 Tomahawk WiFI
Intel i7-8700k -> Ryzen 5 7600

 

[JamesW28]

what are you using for your 'c' drive? Seeing as your mobo/cpu is4/5 years old, your drive is probably old too? I'd probably go all in now and get a 2tb m.2 for your drive...fresh install on a new fast m.2 You can then add your existing drive, transfer files/documents you want, then wipe it and use it as a storage drive, or is it a new drive?

Currently my C drive with my OS is a Samsung 980 NVMe, only around 2 years old

My original PC was from 2019 but almost everything has been chopped and changed except the CPU (i7-8700k) and the motherboard (ASUS Prime Z370-P)

I assume it'll be best then to just back that drive up onto one of my other drives, do a fresh windows install to wipe the NVMe and then put the backup files back on after

 

[JamesW28]

while I support doing new windows install eventually, I suggest you use your old C drive for testing after assembling the system.
Backup first
It should boot and work fine
Just to confirm it works

And then as you describe, run full windows install with wiping the drive.

Okay that makes sense, I can definitely just back up my C drive and at least see if Windows boots on the new CPU, that way I still have the option to do a fresh windows install if it doesnt boot or I want to do a fresh install
I did have to do a fresh install this year so maybe it won't be necessary if it boots

I also assume finding my windows key will be handy in case I need it too
I'm sure the hardware change will be much easier than I think but always nice to be prepared for issues