What happens to my W10 when getting new processor and motherboard?

[Windows Central Question]

I'm planning to upgrade my PC setup by getting a new processor and motherboard. I heard somewhere that W10 license is somehow linked to the computer setup it was initially installed on. Since installing a new motherboard and processor does require reinstall on the OS as well, what kind of trouble should I expect? How should I go about this?

 

[abhishek singh21]

I'm planning to upgrade my PC setup by getting a new processor and motherboard. I heard somewhere that W10 license is somehow linked to the computer setup it was initially installed on. Since installing a new motherboard and processor does require reinstall on the OS as well, what kind of trouble should I expect? How should I go about this?

windows 10 comes with two types of activation > Digital entitlement ( when you have successfully upgraded from win 7 / 8 pro-there is no product key in this) >product key

difference between the two is , in digital entitlement, microsoft activation information is saved in your BIOS, and i case you change your motherboard you will lose your activation.

> product key, motherboard change wont effect it and should work fine.

so yours being linked to computer setup ( i consider it being Digital entitlement) you can connect your digital license with your Microsoft account because after the hardware upgrade you will lose your license , . here are the picture of what you see when you have successfully linked your account :

before :

after:


there is another way where you can contact Microsoft support and you will receive the activation, as it was mentioned by Gabe Aul.

 

[shakkar]

Thanks for a great answer!

I do have a purchased Win8.1 with key, so it might be that I can just go with that. However, what would be the best practice approach on this considering that I do need to reinstall the OS? Just install with the original Win 8.1 disc and then look for a Win 10 upgrade or get the install ISO on a thumb drive go from there, or something else?

Best,
Simo