Sharing a newer, original equipment manufacturer edition of Windows 10
Sharing a newer, original equipment manufacturer edition of Windows 10
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So, let me explain my setup. Last summer I assembled my first computer and installed an OEM Windows 7 version I had previously set up using sysprep on another machine. Once Windows 7 was active on my new PC, I upgraded to Windows 10. This has functioned smoothly in my usual configuration since July 2016. Now, I’ve received a newer system from a neighbor and want to move my current hard drives over so I can install Windows 10 with all my settings. My goal is to swap my existing Windows 10 installation—originally from the syspreped OEM version of Windows 7—onto a fresh, different machine. Should I just physically transfer the drives or should I back up my data and prepare the Windows disk for a full rebuild? I’m aware that either approach will likely require reactivating Windows through its automated phone service.
In the worst case, you may have to reach out to Microsoft for a replacement key.
Determine the right approach by checking your system requirements. Re-system prep might be better than simply swapping drives. Regarding Microsoft keys, you likely won’t need to pay if you’re budget-conscious.
Begin by creating a Microsoft account and follow the instructions at the provided link. Avoid contacting Microsoft or purchasing a new Windows version. Next, transferring drives to the new system often causes issues; instead, perform a clean installation using the steps detailed here. Ensure all drives are unplugged except the operating system drive during the clean install. When prompted, erase everything until "unallocated space" appears, then proceed.
You perform a fresh setup immediately after transferring your disks to the new machine. With several drives, it's simple: move all your files to a dedicated data disk while still using the old PC, install Windows on the new system's operating drive, then connect the data disk once more when finished. Files and programs will need reinstallation, but personal items like music, documents, and photos can easily reside on the data disk.
Connect your Windows setup to your Microsoft account (you've already done this). Create a Windows 10 installation USB or CD. Transfer your current operating system from your existing drive to the new one. Start the installation media, erase the OS disk, then begin the clean installation through the media and activate it using your Microsoft account. Connect your second hard drive to view all files.
Exactly for #5 removing the partitions is what all the erasing accomplishes, so you just need to do that to get a clean drive. Also, when you connect the second drive, the PC must be off during this process, and ensure your BIOS lists only your OS drive in the boot priorities. Don't let the motherboard attempt to boot from the incorrect drive.
Consider these additional suggestions: Once you've installed and connected your PC, let it run for 60 to 30 minutes without using it, allowing drivers to install smoothly. Next, open Windows settings, look for updates, and they should be applied automatically. Then restart the computer and wait roughly 30 minutes (or until system usage drops to zero on CPU, disk, or network). At that stage you can begin installing software and games, as well as connecting additional hard drives.