F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems No, you don't have to reinstall Windows each time you switch motherboards.

No, you don't have to reinstall Windows each time you switch motherboards.

No, you don't have to reinstall Windows each time you switch motherboards.

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coco7432
Junior Member
9
12-20-2016, 04:49 PM
#1
The advice is generally correct. Reinstalling Windows ensures compatibility with the new hardware, especially if the motherboard differs from the original.
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coco7432
12-20-2016, 04:49 PM #1

The advice is generally correct. Reinstalling Windows ensures compatibility with the new hardware, especially if the motherboard differs from the original.

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JosefGames
Junior Member
20
12-20-2016, 07:36 PM
#2
It varies based on the license you obtained: With an OEM license you cannot use it on another machine unless it's the same motherboard, otherwise it's limited to one device at a time. If you have a retail license, you can reinstall anytime you wish. OEM means one-time retail use—allowing multiple devices as long as they're activated together. EDIT: For OEM licenses, there are solutions if you upgrade your board; contact MS for a new code or run inactivated mode, which may affect performance but won't block functionality.
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JosefGames
12-20-2016, 07:36 PM #2

It varies based on the license you obtained: With an OEM license you cannot use it on another machine unless it's the same motherboard, otherwise it's limited to one device at a time. If you have a retail license, you can reinstall anytime you wish. OEM means one-time retail use—allowing multiple devices as long as they're activated together. EDIT: For OEM licenses, there are solutions if you upgrade your board; contact MS for a new code or run inactivated mode, which may affect performance but won't block functionality.

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Ondratra12
Member
190
12-23-2016, 06:24 AM
#3
I understand. You're wondering if the same issue applies to your plan to install Windows on a USB using WindowsToUSB.
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Ondratra12
12-23-2016, 06:24 AM #3

I understand. You're wondering if the same issue applies to your plan to install Windows on a USB using WindowsToUSB.

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Clareesuh
Member
245
12-24-2016, 06:16 PM
#4
I wouldn't install Windows on a flash drive for a NAS setup using an OS built for NAS on a flash drive. Alternatively, consider using a small SSD or HDD instead of running the OS directly.
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Clareesuh
12-24-2016, 06:16 PM #4

I wouldn't install Windows on a flash drive for a NAS setup using an OS built for NAS on a flash drive. Alternatively, consider using a small SSD or HDD instead of running the OS directly.

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LastLemon
Member
67
12-26-2016, 01:49 PM
#5
It doesn't function properly. You can run Windows on a USB drive, but transferring it between computers isn't possible. Once Windows starts, it detects different hardware and may either crash or boot into safe mode. Success depends on the hardware being very similar. Outcomes are usually inconsistent. If you're facing issues, I'd recommend waiting until everything is assembled. For NAS projects, consider freenas.
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LastLemon
12-26-2016, 01:49 PM #5

It doesn't function properly. You can run Windows on a USB drive, but transferring it between computers isn't possible. Once Windows starts, it detects different hardware and may either crash or boot into safe mode. Success depends on the hardware being very similar. Outcomes are usually inconsistent. If you're facing issues, I'd recommend waiting until everything is assembled. For NAS projects, consider freenas.

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beschteLars
Member
221
12-26-2016, 07:07 PM
#6
License matters, but the real problem is drivers. Windows 10 is meant to handle drivers better than earlier versions, though I've heard cases where it still has problems. Uninstalling all drivers won't fix it if the OS itself has issues. You can always check how it works and reinstall if needed.
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beschteLars
12-26-2016, 07:07 PM #6

License matters, but the real problem is drivers. Windows 10 is meant to handle drivers better than earlier versions, though I've heard cases where it still has problems. Uninstalling all drivers won't fix it if the OS itself has issues. You can always check how it works and reinstall if needed.