How to Transfer Windows 10 to New Motherboard?

By: Robert Llarves | Date Posted: May 28, 2023

Hey there! If you’re planning to upgrade your PC’s motherboard, then you might be wondering how to transfer Windows 10 to a new motherboard. Well, the good news is that it’s totally possible to do so. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the steps involved in transferring Windows 10 to a new motherboard.

First, let’s talk about why it’s important to transfer Windows 10 to a new motherboard. The motherboard is one of the most crucial components of a computer, as it connects all the other parts together. When you upgrade your motherboard, you may also need to upgrade other components like the CPU or RAM, which can improve your PC’s performance. However, if you don’t transfer your Windows 10 license to the new motherboard, you might face some issues like activation problems or compatibility issues.

To transfer your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard, you need to follow some specific steps. Let’s take a look at each of these steps in detail.

Check compatibility

Before you start transferring your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard, it’s important to ensure that the new motherboard is compatible with Windows 10. To do this, you can follow these steps:

• Check the manufacturer’s website to make sure that the new motherboard is compatible with your current CPU and RAM.
• Check for any potential driver issues or conflicts by researching the new motherboard and its drivers.
• Verify that your current Windows 10 installation is the same architecture as the new motherboard, i.e., 32-bit or 64-bit.

Deactivate the Windows license on an old motherboard

Once you’ve verified compatibility, you need to deactivate your Windows license on your old motherboard. This is an important step because if you don’t deactivate your license, you might face some issues like activation problems or licensing conflicts.

To deactivate your Windows license, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key + X and select Settings.
• Click on Update & Security, then Activation.
• Click on “Change product key” and enter the generic Windows 10 Pro product key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.
• Click on “Next” and then click on “Activate”.
• After your Windows 10 is activated, you can now deactivate your license by calling Microsoft support or using the Activation troubleshooter.

Before deactivating your license, make sure that you have the product key or digital license for your current Windows 10 installation, as you’ll need this to reactivate it on the new motherboard.

Backup important data and files

Before transferring your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard, it’s important to back up all your important data and files. This is because transferring your license might require a fresh install of Windows 10, which means that you’ll lose all your data and files.

There are different backup methods you can use, depending on your preferences and needs. You can backup your data and files by:

• Copying them to an external hard drive or USB drive
• Using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox
• Creating a system image using Windows 10’s built-in backup and restore feature.

It’s important to back up all your important data and files before transferring your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard. In the next section, I’ll walk you through the process of installing your new motherboard and transferring your Windows 10 license.

Install new motherboard and components

Now that you have backed up your data and deactivated your Windows license, you’re ready to install your new motherboard. Installing a new motherboard can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide.

1. Remove the old motherboard – To start, disconnect all cables and remove the old motherboard from your case. Be careful not to damage any components.
2. Install the new motherboard – Place the new motherboard in the case and line up the screw holes with the standoffs in the case. Screw in the motherboard.
3. Install the CPU – Install the CPU into the socket on the new motherboard. Be sure to properly align it and secure it with the latch.
4. Install RAM – Insert your RAM modules into the corresponding slots on the motherboard. Make sure they are firmly in place.
5. Install other components – Depending on your setup, you may need to install other components like the GPU, sound card, and network card.

Reinstall Windows 10

Now that your new motherboard is installed, you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10. While it may be tempting to try and transfer your existing Windows 10 installation, it’s not recommended. A fresh install will ensure that all drivers and settings are properly configured for your new hardware.

To reinstall Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Create a Windows 10 installation media – You’ll need a USB drive or DVD with at least 8GB of space. You can create installation media using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
2. Boot from the installation media – Insert the USB drive or DVD and boot your PC from it. You may need to change your boot order in your BIOS settings.
3. Install Windows 10 – Follow the prompts to install Windows 10. You’ll need to enter your product key or digital license.
4. Configure Windows 10 – After installation, you’ll need to configure Windows 10 with your preferences and settings.

Reactivate the Windows license on a new motherboard

After you’ve installed Windows 10 on your new motherboard, you’ll need to reactivate your license. This is a relatively simple process, but there are some potential issues that you should be aware of.

To reactivate your license, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
2. Click on “Change product key” and enter your product key or digital license.
3. If Windows 10 doesn’t activate automatically, click on “Troubleshoot” and follow the prompts.

If you have any issues with activation, you may need to contact Microsoft support. They can help you resolve any activation issues you may encounter.

Install drivers and updates

After you’ve activated your Windows 10 license, you’ll need to install drivers and updates. Drivers are software that allows your hardware to communicate with your operating system. Without drivers, your hardware may not function properly.

To install drivers and updates, follow these steps:

1. Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your motherboard.
2. Install the drivers one by one, starting with the chipset driver and then moving on to other components like the audio and network drivers.
3. Install any updates for Windows 10.

It’s important to keep your drivers and Windows 10 updated to ensure that your PC is running smoothly.

Final Part & Recommendation

Congratulations, you’ve successfully transferred your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard! To recap, you need to check compatibility, deactivate your license on the old motherboard, back up important data, install the new motherboard and components, reinstall Windows 10, reactivate your license on the new motherboard, and install drivers and updates.

Remember, transferring your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard can be a bit of a process, but it’s worth it to ensure that your PC is running properly. Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

• Before you start the process, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment, including a screwdriver and a USB drive or DVD.
• Take your time when installing the new motherboard and components. It can be easy to make mistakes when you’re rushing.
• Make sure that you properly ground yourself before working on your PC to avoid static electricity damage.
• Keep your Windows 10 product key or digital license in a safe place. You’ll need it to reactivate your license on the new motherboard.
• If you have any issues with activation or drivers, don’t hesitate to reach out to your motherboard manufacturer or Microsoft support for assistance.

Transferring your Windows 10 license to a new motherboard may seem intimidating, but with a bit of patience and effort, it can be done. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your PC is running smoothly on your new hardware. Good luck and happy computing!