Jan 04 2020 10:52 PM
Hello everyone, I'm very new to win 10, and have had to already had to buy a new license due to a hard drive failure. Now I'm a little nervous about making any hardware changes. I want to install a new GPU.
My question, can I do this without Win 10 wanting a new license, or is it safe to change graphics cards, as long as the HD's and Mobo are intact.
Jan 04 2020 11:21 PM - edited Jan 04 2020 11:23 PM
Hi,
have a look at this article
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
and this
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change
"
When you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard or hard drive, Windows 10 won't be able to identify your computer correctly, and as a result, the operating system won't activate.
Previously, if your installation of Windows 10 lost its activation due to a hardware change, you would have to go through the tedious process of contacting Microsoft customer support to re-activate, which is not an ideal solution.
However, Microsoft is now simplifying the process. Beginning with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you can link your Microsoft account (MSA) with the Windows 10 digital license on your device. The new feature allows you to access the Activation Troubleshooter quickly to re-activate your free upgrade copy of Windows 10."