How To Keep Windows When Changing Motherboard

Windows is a popular operating system that is intricately linked to your PC’s hardware. Changes to critical components like the motherboard can disrupt Windows’ activation status. This article guides you on maintaining your Windows activation when you swap out your motherboard.

Is Windows Activation Tied to the Motherboard?

Over the years, Windows activation has evolved significantly, enhancing user privacy and ensuring OS authenticity. Notably, Microsoft has implemented the Windows digital license, which associates your OS activation closely with major hardware components. Essentially, if you change your motherboard, your Windows may have difficulty recognizing a valid license, necessitating a reactivation.

Reactivating Windows After Changing Your Motherboard

Microsoft uses Windows activation to verify the legitimacy of your OS copy. This system prevents the unauthorized use of a single OS copy on multiple devices and protects user privacy. To reactivate Windows after a motherboard change, you can use one of the following methods:

• Digital License: Ideal for users who have their OS linked to their Microsoft account.
• Product Key: Suitable for those who have a 25-character code provided by their PC manufacturer.

Reactivating ensures you maintain your Windows features and license authenticity post-hardware modification.

Detailed Methods to Reactivate Windows

Using a Digital License

Reactivate your Windows using a digital license by following these steps:

1. Install Windows using an external drive or DVD.
2. After installation, go to Settings > Update and Security > Activation.
3. Click Go to Store to navigate to the Microsoft store and purchase or verify your digital license.

Using a Product Key

To reactivate using a product key:

1. Install Windows and navigate to Settings > System > Activation.
2. Click Update product key and then Change product key.
3. Enter your 25-character product key and confirm accuracy before proceeding.

Transferring Your Windows License to a New Motherboard

Transferring a Windows license depends on the type of license you own:

• Full Packaged Product (FPP) Licenses can be transferred from one PC to another.
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Licenses, however, are not transferable and are specific to the PC they were originally installed on.

Here’s how you can transfer an FPP license:

1. Determine if your old PC has an FPP license.
2. Uninstall the product key from the old device.
3. Log into your Microsoft account and apply the license to the new motherboard.

Creating a Microsoft Account

A Microsoft account is essential for managing your digital licenses. To create one:

1. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Other Accounts.
2. Click Add an account and follow the prompts to set up your new Microsoft account.

Understanding Windows Licensing Types

Windows offers three types of licenses:

• Full Packaged Product (FPP): Best for individuals or small teams needing fewer than five licenses.
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Tied to the device and non-transferable.
• Volume Licensing: Suitable for businesses needing to license software in volume.

Each license type comes with specific terms, detailed in the Microsoft License Terms document.

Preparing Your PC for a Hardware Change

Before altering your PC’s hardware:

1. Link the License: Ensure your digital license is linked to your Microsoft account for easy recovery.
2. Obtain a Product Key: Keep a product key as a backup for reactivation.
3. Verify Windows Version: Make sure the Windows version remains the same to use your existing license.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your Windows license when changing your motherboard, ensuring continuous use and compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms.