Motherboard upgrade and Windows 10

KateB

KateB

KateB

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Joined
8 Jan 2012
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183
Hi all.

I'm about to install a new motherboard, CPU and some memory in to a PC that's running Windows 10 64 Pro that was the free upgrade from my DVD version of Windows 7 64 Ultimate.

Now as I'm installing a new motherboard I'm obviously formatting my hard drive and will lose my free copy of Windows 10.

Is there any way of getting it back?

Can I download it now ready for the upgrade in the next few days or will it be automatic again once I install Windows 7 or was that a one time offer and I'm back to Win 7?

Thanks.

Kate.
 
I might be mistaken, but I believe if your copy of Windows 7 is a retail version then you will be able to install and activate Windows 10 using your Windows 7 product key even after your hardware change.

If it is a Windows 7 retail key that you have, you should be able to install Windows 10 directly and activate with your key without installing 7 and doing the upgrade procedure.
 
That's great.

It is a retail key.

Would I need to download and burn/flash drive a copy of 10 and use the 7 retail key and boot up with that or would I boot up with 7 and 10 automatically downloads and installs?

Sorry this is a bit confusing to me.

Thanks

Kate.
 
I would use the Windows 10 media creation tool which can be downloaded from Microsoft's website and create a USB flash drive With Windows 10 (its faster and easier than burning to disc) and install it using your Win 7 key.

I think it's confusing to most folks to be honest as Microsoft have changed things since Windows 10 first released. :)
 
I have just been through this process. Windows 10 will install fine using your Windows 7 key but it will not activate because your (Retail) Digital Entitlement is associated with your old motherboard. So you will need to contact MS Support who will apply a new (OEM) key to your new installation. They don't seem to have an automated mechanism to move free upgrades so it's all a bit painful, but possible. More here:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=29572001&postcount=45
 
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