Image Windows to New Hardware

Dirk Diggler · 13 Apr 2018 at 08:39

I'll be building a new system soon and I'm trying to think of the best way to get back to W10 with minimum fuss. My version of W10 was gained via upgrade from Win8.

Could I just move my SSD to the new machine and let Windows configure for the new hardware? Or is it best to do a clean install?

Scort · 13 Apr 2018 at 13:01

Clean install - but you might find that you can't re-register the key use, as the hardware footprint will be too different.

Dirk Diggler · 13 Apr 2018 at 13:41

Scort said:
Clean install - but you might find that you can't re-register the key use, as the hardware footprint will be too different.

I could maybe pop the SSD in with the existing software and get it to activate the new hardware to the key first, and then do a clean install?

mrbazmondo · 13 Apr 2018 at 14:30

Look at registering your license with a microsoft account before you move over - doing so makes re-licensing easier.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

Set the new machine in the BIOS to have SATA set to AHCI.

Dirk Diggler · 13 Apr 2018 at 14:41

mrbazmondo said:
Look at registering your license with a microsoft account before you move over - doing so makes re-licensing easier.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

Set the new machine in the BIOS to have SATA set to AHCI.

Thanks.

I've got 2 PC's and both are registered with my Microsoft account. I take it easiest way is like I described, transfer the existing SSD and log in to Microsoft account, confirm the swap and then clean install Windows?

mrbazmondo · 13 Apr 2018 at 15:14

I'd try just moving the disk over and see if it boots first.

Dirk Diggler · 13 Apr 2018 at 15:19

mrbazmondo said:
I'd try just moving the disk over and see if it boots first.

I think it'll boot OK, I'm more concerned about drivers getting corrupted. But yea, I'll post back with results.

jpaul · 13 Apr 2018 at 15:30

you could still activate from old win 8 keys apparantly
that, versus telling them previous sytem MB was damaged ? maybe swings and roundabouts.

TeraVirus · 13 Apr 2018 at 23:08

mrbazmondo said:
I'd try just moving the disk over and see if it boots first.

That's what I going to do first once I order new CPU+Mobo this month. I'm not sure how many hardware changes Microsoft tolerates?

mrbazmondo · 13 Apr 2018 at 23:42

It shouldn't matter if you register your license with a MS account.