BebuLamar

No the new computer doesn't even have the hard drive. I buy it for essentially the motherboard. the worst I have to do is to install windows 7 (the motherboard licensed for Win7) then upgrade to Win10. I did that on another PC recently so I know that works.

srt101fan

OK, that's an entirely different story.

You might try the Windows forum.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I think you’re correct. I hope the OP reports back after trying and tells us how it worked out (or didn’t)

edwdickinson Loc: Ardmore PA

If you are adding the old drive as a secondary drive you will be fine, if you intend to use the old drive as the boot drive it may not boot since Windows will see a massive hardware change or it may boot and not authenticate which means you may need to call MS for a new code.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Depends on what if anything was adjusted in the BIOS of the other machine. You may not have, or may have things the bought machine has or is missing compared to yours. I'd say a 50/50 shot it'll boot up.

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

As a computer repairman . I have done what you said you want to do many times .Sometime when the computers starts it will install the drivers it needs for the computer you just stuck your drive in and then boot up . Sometimes after the first boot it will tell you to restart . And sometimes the computer wont boot up after sticking a hard drive from another computer in . And running some codes in command prompt doesn't work like it use to . As far as activating goes , some times it's still activated and sometimes it doesn't . You can call Microsoft and tell them your computer died and they will usually give you a product key to activate it after they check their records to see how many times the old key was activated . They did that in the past trying to eliminate hacked computers. If you do need a key after you check your computer if it fires up with your old drive and Microsoft won't help you , you can get windows product keys on Ebay for a few dollars . I have bought keys several times for $5 to $8 and they always worked for me , even when I didn't use them for a year . Good Luck , Tom's Computer Repair , also known as Tommy

joanloy Loc: St. Louis, MO

Do you have a phone number for Microsoft? I had 4 numbers and none of them work. I had to use the chat feature. That did not solve my problem. And, MS has not answered my email from a week ago.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

This is what they do now - Contact Microsoft Support. The Microsoft Virtual Agent provides fast, automated troubleshooting for many common problems. If the Virtual Agent can't help you, we'll connect you with a Microsoft Support Advocate.

trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg

if the HD is good, it is good .

Schoee Loc: Europe

If your license details are in your MS account it should work. You can transfer licence to new PC

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Per Microsoft:

“Activation depends on what type of license you have of Windows 7/8/10.

If Windows 7/8/10 came preinstalled with the computer, that is called an OEM license. For an OEM license, the license dies as soon as Motherboard dies. So essentially it is non-transferable. If that is the case you need to get a new license.

However, this is not same for retail licenses i.e. you purchased the license through Microsoft store. That does carry transfer rights. If that is the case, please see the below steps:

Run the activation troubleshooter on the new device using the below steps:
Go to Settings>Update and security>Activation and run the troubleshooter. and select I recently changed hardware on this device.

(Please note that Activation troubleshooter requires you to have digital license linked to Microsoft Account.)

If the troubleshooter hasn't helped, you can get in touch of an agent using the link below who can help you to get your copy activated:
https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...”

And as previously mentioned, activation keys can be purchased on eBay for $5.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I had the same problem a few years ago.
Yes it will work. No it will not be registered.
Solution, call Microsoft and tell them what and why you did what you did.
My 2¢.

Jay7h

I had a motherboard replacement on my Dell computer and it fired right up with Windows 10. I think the Win 10 info is stored on the hard drive, not the mother board.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

If the computer is identical, it should be no problem in activating it, Bebu.

srt101fan

Even with identical computers, how would you transfer the license from the motherboard of the old computer to the motherboard of the new computer?