Windows 10: Does a new SSD require an activation key?

I upgraded to windows 10 from Windows 7 Pro. I am thinking of getting an SSD and am being told I can install windows 10 fresh to the SSD and so long as I don't change the hardware of my computer other than the Hardrive, the OS will automatically activate. Is this true?

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:)

 

New SSD, unrecoverable activation key

Hello,

I recently had a SSD crash. I'm putting in a new SSD and will be reinstalling Windows 10 on the new drive. Unfortunately I am unable to recover my activation key. On my last drive I had Win 7 and upgraded to Win 10 for free. I am planning to install Win
10 from a ISO.

Once I install Win 10 on the new drive how will I be able to activate it, or how will it recognize I had a activated copy on the past?

Thanks

Mike

 

Windows 10 activation - Existing SSD in new laptop

@DaveM121

Thanks, that worked.

I booted up the HDD that came with the new PC.

I then used the recommended software, and got the key (even though my reading suggested that a digital licence doesn't have an associated key).

I then booted from the SSD, went to Activation and entered the key.

Done!

Regards

Brendon

 

New SSD, unrecoverable activation key

You were given a digital license after your free upgrade to Win 10. It is tied to your Microsoft account. Now, you can reinstall Win 10 (&/or upgrade it to a new version of Win 10) any number of times for free. And you don't need to enter
a product ID or anything. You need only to log into your Microsoft account after or during the install...

Activate Windows 10

Activation in Windows 10

However - it must be the same computer & the same Edition of Windows (Pro, Home, etc.). If it mistakes the new SSD for a new computer, you may need to take the steps under "Activating Windows 10 after a hardware configuration
change" in the article above.