Upgrading Hardware so that I can upgrade to Win 11

Question

I have a full retail copy of Win 10 on a digital license linked to my Microsoft account, but my hardware fails the compatibility check due to a 7th gen Intel CPU, despite the fact that it runs at 4.5 GHz.

I am looking to buy a new motherboard and CPU and will install my existing M.2 drives etc with my existing Windows 10 installation.

I intend doing a full reinstallation after the rebuild, but would like to know if it is better to transfer the drives etc and boot the new hardware with my existing Windows 10 , and then let it reactivate on my account. Then use the Media Creation Tool to do the clean install ? Alternatively, can I just transfer the hardware to the new M/b and do a clean install using the Media Creation Tool ?

Andrew

Answer 1

That key (Windows 10 RTM Pro Retail) is a genuine Windows 10 Pro Retail licence key and that should work to activate Windows if you install Windows 10 or 11 Pro on your system.

Answer 2

That is bad news. I've just had a search online, and sure enough I am reading about the block on Windows 7 keys. That said, it seems if people's hardware was Windows 11 compatible, they could upgrade without issue. It's only when they make a hardware change they get blocked. It seems like Microsoft are treating all old licenses as OEM rather than full retail which is disappointing.

Having said that, I keep a record of all licenses and keys . I have had quite a few Windows 7 keys, most are no longer in use . However, I have one key recorded as "Windows 10 RTM Pro Retail" . I am assuming this is a full retail Windows 10 and not an upgrade from Win 7, and hence should allow me to upgrade to Windows 11. Is there any way I can verify this ?

Andrew

Answer 3

1

Sorry for the bad news, you will not be able to activate your licence on the new hardware, because on the 20th of September, Microsoft finally closed the loophole that allows a Windows 7 or 8 licence key to activate Windows 10 or 11 on new hardware.

2

You can use the Media Creation Tool to create the bootable USB on an 8GB USB Flash Drive to perform a clean installation of Windows.

Answer 4

Hi Dave. Thanks for responding.

This windows started as Windows 7. It was a full retail version with the CD ROM and key. It was upgraded to Windows 10 years ago, and at this time it moved to the digital licensing. As I understand it, the key code on the installation is now one generated by the digital license, but I still have the Windows 7 key. I recall having to speak to Microsoft Support at that time, and it was the Windows 7 key that was needed to verify the license. Does that make sense ?

Regards point 2. Yes I appreciate it may not boot. If possible, I would prefer to just go for a straight clean installation. Can I use the Media Creation Tool for that ?

Answer 5

Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

1

With regards to activation, it depends on where you got your Windows licence.

Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer, and if so, do you have the product key?

2

Windows is very adaptable to new hardware, however, replacing the motherboard and processor is a big change and your Windows 10 may not be able to boot up on the new drive, so please ensure you have backed up all your personal files form the system drive before trying to boot up Windows 10 on the new hardware.