Windows 10: Moving installed Win 10 to different computer?

I have two computers that both got free upgrades from 7 Ultimate to 10 Pro.

Would it work to swap the hard drive from one to the other, then update drivers as needed? I've done that countless times with Windows 3.0 through XP. Haven't tried it with Vista and later. People usually just tell me to wipe it all and do a clean install, and don't have a ton of files to save so those usually fit on a small USB stick.

Wondering if the activation will adapt since both were already registered with Win 10.

Why I'm wanting to try this is I just wasted a ton of time with PC Mover failing to copy the user account with its Desktop, Start Menu and all files under it, downloads, pictures etc. despite making sure that all the correct options were selected.
It did copy over everything outside the program files, windows and other standard folders. The moving file is over 87 gigs but it only put about half that onto the newer computer.

I was hoping to simply be able to install all the Visual C++ Redistributables and latest JAVA then have everything work after PC Mover was done. It did on the originating PC going from XP to 7, and the 10 upgrade "just worked" with only one or two small things being incompatible and needing updated.

:)

 

Moving Win 10 to a different ssd

It depends on how Windows 10 was originally configured on your computer.

If its a full retail store bought license online or offline, it is transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

If its the free upgrade from a retail store bought Windows 7 or Windows 8 license, it is transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

If its the free upgrade from a OEM preinstalled Windows 7 or Windows 8 license, it is NOT transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

Learn more about transferring your license:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer

If its a retail license, learn how to reactivate:

• Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

 

Moving Win 10 to a different ssd

You did what?

 

Go ahead and move the hard drive, it will be fine. I've done it.

 

I installed a different motherboard day before yesterday. All seemed fine. Yesterday Win 10 decided to not be activated. So I got on the online chat with a Microsoft person. Fed them an OEM Win 7 Ultimate key and they did remote access and gave me a new Win 10 key to reactivate it.