Windows 10: ELI5: How do I reinstall windows after a hardware change?

I read the windows webpage on this, but got confused and I'm a little worried Im beyond the point of no return.

I upgraded my hard drive to a fancy SSD, and decided I was done with that broken hard drive. So I plugged in my new SSD and loaded a clean windows with a USB drive I made before upgrading. But then it asked for a product key. And my noob bain completely shut down. What do I do from this point? Did I need something from my old hard drive?

Thank you in advance!

submitted by /u/EliteAn0rak
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:)

 

How to change the MB without having to reinstall windows ???

Suggestion

Before you turn off Windows for the last time prior to changing MBs, go to Device Manager and delete everything you can, with no mercy, especially the items under "System devices".
Then next time you boot (after changing MBs hopefully), Windows will re-install everything again, but this time according to the new hardware.
Works quite well... Good luck!

 

Activation problems after hardware changes and reinstallations.

Hi Meli,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I do appreciate your efforts and time.

Was Windows 10 activated before re-installing it?

Along with the suggestions provided by Greg, you can also refer the steps below.



The only hardware changes that can negatively impact activation status once you upgrade to free version are the changes to the:

• CPU
• TPM
• Motherboard replacement

The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will NOT impact the activation status:

• HDD/SSD
• Video card
• Adding extra memory

If you replace the CPU, TPM, or Motherboard you may have to re-activate but this will not require a purchase of Windows 10.

Why can't I activate Windows 10?:

Why can't I activate Windows?

Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

Get help with Windows activation errors

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-21a5-4010-8a39-7b975611b73b?tm=1438203002881

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

 

Taskbar bug: switching to another window -will not appear at the front


Follow either of these steps to fix the issue with the Active window hiding behind.

Method 1:
I suggest you to disable window by hovering over it with the mouse and check if it helps. To do so I suggest you to try the below given steps and check if it helps:

1. Press Windows key + X key and click on Control Panel.
2. Select or click Ease of Access.
3. Click or tap onEase of Access Centre.
4. Click on Make the Mouse Easier to Use was uncheck Activate Window by hovering over it with the mouse.
5. Check if issue is resolved.

Method 2:
I would suggest you to completely uninstall the touchpad driver and reinstall it. Kindly follow the below given steps.

1. Press “Windows key + X” and click on “Device Manager”.
2. In the list of devices, you should see the touchpad drivers.
3. Right click on the device and then select "Uninstall".
4. In the uninstall dialog, make sure you select the option to delete the driver package from the system. This causes the driver package installed earlier to be deleted.
5. In the Action menu of Device manager, select “Scan for Hardware changes” option. This will cause the device driver to be reinstalled. Once the driver is installed, close all windows and restart the computer.