New Windows OS or use prior Hardrive

Celugia · 16 Dec 2020 at 16:55

Hi,

I have a SSD that has the boot drive and I was wondering if I can transfer that over and use it as a boot drive going forward. I am upgrading everything expect the HDD and SDD. Do I need to use a USB to install windows or can I just add my old SSD and it should recognise the boot drive. I will need to update drivers for the new GPU and CPU and motherboard.

mickyflinn · 16 Dec 2020 at 17:03

Should be able use your ssd, windows licence is connected to the motherboard so you will have to activate a change of hardware. Google it.

Tetras · 16 Dec 2020 at 22:36

I thought if you added your Microsoft account to the install you could upgrade PCs without license problems? I could be wrong about that, never added mine.

merlin6r · 16 Dec 2020 at 22:54

Tetras said:
I thought if you added your Microsoft account to the install you could upgrade PCs without license problems? I could be wrong about that, never added mine.

This is correct. If you're signed in with your Microsoft account the Windows key will be tied to that.
You could even wipe the boot drive, fresh install windows, as long as you login again with the same Microsoft account then Windows will activate...