F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Check if you need to reinstall the OS or upgrade it after the hardware changes.

Check if you need to reinstall the OS or upgrade it after the hardware changes.

Check if you need to reinstall the OS or upgrade it after the hardware changes.

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kiekie
Member
64
06-26-2021, 03:14 AM
#1
Hello! I’m updating my MOBO, CPU, and RAM to my current system. I understand a Windows reinstall will be necessary afterward, but I’m unsure about the steps. I have a 500GB SSD with Windows 10 installed, along with some programs. I’ll disconnect several data drives containing games until the migration is complete. I’ve bought a 1TB M.2 drive to transfer the OS. I have a few questions:

1. How can I reinstall Windows without losing my programs or license?
2. Should I go ahead and buy a Windows 11 license and just switch to it after upgrading hardware, or is that better?

Thanks!
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kiekie
06-26-2021, 03:14 AM #1

Hello! I’m updating my MOBO, CPU, and RAM to my current system. I understand a Windows reinstall will be necessary afterward, but I’m unsure about the steps. I have a 500GB SSD with Windows 10 installed, along with some programs. I’ll disconnect several data drives containing games until the migration is complete. I’ve bought a 1TB M.2 drive to transfer the OS. I have a few questions:

1. How can I reinstall Windows without losing my programs or license?
2. Should I go ahead and buy a Windows 11 license and just switch to it after upgrading hardware, or is that better?

Thanks!

M
Mickael_Park
Member
216
06-27-2021, 04:24 AM
#2
To avoid any loss, opt for a clone rather than a full reinstall. There are many tools available, ranging from those that operate within Windows like Macron Reflect to those that work via USB such as Clonezilla. I usually choose Clonezilla, though some users favor the Windows-based options. Be aware you might still need to surrender the license, as it’s often linked to the motherboard in Windows 10/11 rather than the installer itself, unlike Windows 7. Volume licenses could change, so be ready for that possibility. You’re essentially aiming for a clean setup and simply reinstalling your software—perfect if you’re planning a switch to Windows 11.
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Mickael_Park
06-27-2021, 04:24 AM #2

To avoid any loss, opt for a clone rather than a full reinstall. There are many tools available, ranging from those that operate within Windows like Macron Reflect to those that work via USB such as Clonezilla. I usually choose Clonezilla, though some users favor the Windows-based options. Be aware you might still need to surrender the license, as it’s often linked to the motherboard in Windows 10/11 rather than the installer itself, unlike Windows 7. Volume licenses could change, so be ready for that possibility. You’re essentially aiming for a clean setup and simply reinstalling your software—perfect if you’re planning a switch to Windows 11.

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Xbux18
Junior Member
18
06-27-2021, 08:22 AM
#3
You might face performance changes after cloning the drive with the hardware upgrade. The cloned Windows partition won’t automatically detect the hardware change.
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Xbux18
06-27-2021, 08:22 AM #3

You might face performance changes after cloning the drive with the hardware upgrade. The cloned Windows partition won’t automatically detect the hardware change.

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BesimT
Junior Member
6
06-27-2021, 09:42 AM
#4
It would function identically to using the present drive, thanks to the enhanced read/write speed of the new SSD. However, it remains unaffected unless there are conflicts with other drives.
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BesimT
06-27-2021, 09:42 AM #4

It would function identically to using the present drive, thanks to the enhanced read/write speed of the new SSD. However, it remains unaffected unless there are conflicts with other drives.

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ZarkLR
Member
201
07-11-2021, 09:40 PM
#5
You should clone the OS drive after completing the hardware upgrade and before starting the installation process, not after booting into the system. This ensures a clean setup.
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ZarkLR
07-11-2021, 09:40 PM #5

You should clone the OS drive after completing the hardware upgrade and before starting the installation process, not after booting into the system. This ensures a clean setup.

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Mista_Tubby_Jr
Junior Member
41
07-14-2021, 08:51 PM
#6
You need to duplicate every boot drive as well. This means the whole storage space is probably just a recovery area at the end, then relocate that part to the front and proceed with expanding C
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Mista_Tubby_Jr
07-14-2021, 08:51 PM #6

You need to duplicate every boot drive as well. This means the whole storage space is probably just a recovery area at the end, then relocate that part to the front and proceed with expanding C

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tage_harry
Member
73
07-15-2021, 02:07 AM
#7
It's quite straightforward to handle, just adhere to the instructions and use the suggested settings. You may need to enlarge the main drive area if any of the choices you pick during setup require it (it isn't a standard setting, but I've been doing this for a while now so I remember how it works), though it shouldn't be too complicated within Windows. Be sure both the old SSD and the new SSD are the only drives in the system during the cloning process to avoid errors.
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tage_harry
07-15-2021, 02:07 AM #7

It's quite straightforward to handle, just adhere to the instructions and use the suggested settings. You may need to enlarge the main drive area if any of the choices you pick during setup require it (it isn't a standard setting, but I've been doing this for a while now so I remember how it works), though it shouldn't be too complicated within Windows. Be sure both the old SSD and the new SSD are the only drives in the system during the cloning process to avoid errors.

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mikkelbr569
Junior Member
10
07-17-2021, 01:02 AM
#8
Thanks! Your Bootable CloneZilla is set up well. The hardware update may take some time since the custom loop is handling it, but it should work out. Appreciate your help!
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mikkelbr569
07-17-2021, 01:02 AM #8

Thanks! Your Bootable CloneZilla is set up well. The hardware update may take some time since the custom loop is handling it, but it should work out. Appreciate your help!

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xXRAXERXx
Posting Freak
817
07-28-2021, 01:11 AM
#9
I have successfully clonned my device, but drive is not booting. I started Gparted to check what is going on, and this is what I see. I tried moving the data partition to add the unallocated space, but it is not letting me. I also tried turning off fast boot without success. What am I doing wrong? Edit: I was able to boot into Windows after repairing Windows with the Boot CD. However, I am still unable to allocate space. I will dig into this and will create another thread as this is a different issue
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xXRAXERXx
07-28-2021, 01:11 AM #9

I have successfully clonned my device, but drive is not booting. I started Gparted to check what is going on, and this is what I see. I tried moving the data partition to add the unallocated space, but it is not letting me. I also tried turning off fast boot without success. What am I doing wrong? Edit: I was able to boot into Windows after repairing Windows with the Boot CD. However, I am still unable to allocate space. I will dig into this and will create another thread as this is a different issue