Hard Drive Question

B

BTG

Member
Hi there. I'm new to the forum.

I'm looking to get a new desktop PC in the future now that the GTX 1080 is out. I have a desktop currently with a rather rubbish processor and graphics card, but I was wondering something about the hard drive I use.

I'd like to continue using my 1TB hard drive that I currently use in my PC now in a new one. As it has Windows 10 already installed on it, I was hoping to still use my current one on a new build so I can get Windows 10 installed on the new one without having to buy another license.

Is that at all possible or would I still have to get another license?
 
keynes

keynes

Multiverse Poster
Not possible, the license is linked to your previous machine and you will also need to do a clean installation on the new machine if you use the hard drive as the primary drive
 
SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
I think it depends what version of Windows 10 you got.

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?
If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing too.
If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.
If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.
Full version (Retail):
- Includes transfer rights to another computer.
- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.
- Expensive
Upgrade version (Retail):
- Includes transfer rights to another computer.
- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.
- Expensive, but cheaper than full version
OEM :
OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Sources:-

1- http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...r/3704e5b9-0a43-4d29-9492-0792181a8a44?auth=1

2- http://www.groovypost.com/howto/transfer-windows-10-license-new-pc/

Another option would be to buy a smaller hard drive, maybe an 120GB SSD and buy a copy of Windows 10 to put on there, then install your 1GB HDD in your new computer as a data storage device for Music, Pictures and Games etc.

Hope this helps
 
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