Use an old CPU/Mobo for a fresh setup—does it require transferring Windows?
Use an old CPU/Mobo for a fresh setup—does it require transferring Windows?
I'm sharing my setup with my brother—his old CPU, motherboard, RAM, and Windows 10. I'm planning to pass on these parts and understand how to get both machines activated. Since the SSD is on my machine but connected to the motherboard somehow, I need to know what steps ensure Windows 10 activation across both devices. I’ll also be purchasing a new license for whichever PC requires it later.
Your new motherboard is probably the one requiring a fresh license. If you move the current license to your new setup, the old board will also need the updated version. In either case, activation is necessary for one of them. From what I understand, the license is linked to the motherboard itself.
I discovered that activating Windows on a new drive works automatically if the old boot drive remains connected. For optimal results, consider updating with a fresh OS using your new hardware—like a new CPU and motherboard—while still keeping the existing SSD. Once the installation is complete, transfer any remaining data from the old SSD to the new one (and remove personal files if necessary), then pass the old SSD to your brother.