New version of win 10 possible to install over old version?

[mdaw]

Hi all,

Is it possible to reinstall a new version of windows 10 with a new key over an existing copy and keep all your files and games etc there without having to transfer them to a different ssd and back with a clean install?
My reason for this question is because if I was to upgrade my pc I will lose my current windows 10 as it was an upgrade from 8.1. Unless this has changed but I remember reading a while ago that I would lose it as it would recognise a change of motherboard I think the article stated and then went on to say you would need to purchase a new version of windows 10.
This is probably a pretty simple answer for most but I'm not great with software related things but I would rather reinstall a new version on my current system keeping everything as it is and just simply transfer the ssd straight into a new system as I did from my last one into this.

 

[Orcvader]

You can move the SSD to the new system and run the activation troubleshooter, and it should offer an option for you to transfer the licence over to the new PC, providing you're signed into your MS account. If that doesn't work then you can just contact MS and they usually reissue you a new key.

However, if you're changing to a motherboard with a completely different chipset I would still prefer the clean install, as it will avoid any possible driver conflicts. If the 8.1 key is retail, then it will work as a 10 key without any issues.

 

[mdaw]

I can see your point about the drivers to be fair. When I first built my current system a few weeks later it developed a corrupt boot file that I had to pay someone to fix as I had no idea what was going on until he told me. To be fair my windows 8 came from an upgrade disc from Windows 7 and then upgraded to 8.1 then 10. Not sure if I still have the code from win 7. I just didn't want the hassle of moving everything to then put it back when I have links/shortcuts from other ssd's to games and stuff.

 

[bremen1874]

Windows 10 seems much better at handling the driver issues that occur when you change platforms. You've got nothing much to lose trying it as long as you've backed up anything important first.

For anything prior to Windows 10 it's a clean install every time.