Windows 10: Upgrading motherboard etc affect license?

I had my PC installed with Windows 8 around 2014 I think and a retail license which I have by an IT engineer. Since then, I've been upgraded to Windows 10 Pro v1809 which has been activated with a digital license linked to my MS account.


My situation is I'm updating my motherboard, HDD to SSD, RAM and CPU. My old HDD I'll keep as an external HDD and run from my SSD. My questions are, do I copy my Windows 10 Pro file from the old HDD to my SSD and will my retail license for Windows 8 be accepted and I assume Windows 10 Pro will be activated?


This by the way is all new to me as I normally use outside help.


Best wishes, B9

:)

 

Windows 10 and upgrading motherboard

Hi,



Thank you for bringing up your query on Microsoft Community.



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

Let us follow the steps suggested by Andre Da Costa (replied
on July 26, 2015) in the following thread:



Will Upgrading Motherboard After Upgrading To Windows 10 Make Me Lose My Windows License?

Will Upgrading Motherboard After Upgrading To Windows 10 Make Me Lose My Windows License?



Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows, we are glad to assist you.

 

Upgrading Motherboard

Hello! I plan on upgrading my PC's motherboard and the CPU. I have an AMD machine with a fx-8350 and I plan on upgrading to a Ryzen 5. I'd also have to switch my current motherboard, m5a97 r2.0, to a newer model that supports the Ryzen. How will my Windows
license be affected? Will I have to buy a new license or will it still use the one on my hard drive? Thanks!

 

windows 10 activation after upgrading motherboard

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