How to change to a new hard drice c and keep windows 10 pro

[Alan]

can I put a new hard drive c and keep windows 10 pro

 

[Tim Locke]

Yes. If you have a legal ( activated) W10 pro it will still be legal and activated if you change the disk even if you have to do a complete re-install.

 

[Wolfie]

You may have to use the phone activation service if you change the HDD, the reason being that W10 will see the new HDD as a new PC (sort of) and requires a new digital signature!.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activation

You could try cloning the drive, the link below is an example only!. Decide yourself which software to use!:

https://www.backup-utility.com/windows-10/clone-hard-drive-windows-10-0528.html

I do not know if activation is necessary after cloning a new HDD?.

 

[Tim Locke]

I don't think so Wolfie. As long as the mobo and cpu chip stay the same. Microsoft have the activation stored away on their servers. If you keep the disk and have to replace the mobo then you have to call them.

It is true that cloning the disk works but that means that the old disk must still be working well enough to use.

 

[davehc]

One piece of advice. MS changed the procedure about a year ago. if you have an MS account, then the registration is linked. On changing any hardware, including the motherboard, it will be automatically reactivated through your (MS) account
I posted on this about a year ago, I think, but cannot find the post, but here is a link to read
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

One of the very many quirks of Windows 10/MS, is, if you do not have an MS account, you may have to do as Wolfie says. Sometimes, however, it does seem to slip through.,

 

[Tim Locke]

AHA! I have had an MS account since years back when I was a technet and dev kit subscriber. So I would not have noticed.

 

[Wolfie]

HI @davehc and @Tim Locke,

I don't use an MS account so don't know about that bit, I always use a local account!. Thanks for the info chaps.

 

[davehc]

Opens a few more possibilities if using an MS account. But not essential
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-8-microsoft-account-benifits