Resolved Changing MainBoards

I am just getting ready to change my mainboard... this one is constantly failing.... My question is this.... Once the mainboard is changed can I simply boot back into Windows 10 do a reset?

 

Probably not. You may have to contact MS and explain what happened and they should take care of it for you.

 

Normally, for licensing purposes, replacing the motherboard constitutes a new computer. And new computers typically require the purchase of a new Windows license "IF" the current license is an OEM License - as most are. The only authorized exception is when the replacement is being done as part of a repair action, as this appears to be. And since this is being done as a repair action, and not just an upgrade for better performance, as MrBill suggested, a call to MS may get you going. Just explain to them the old board failed.

Note transferring the OS license to a new computer is not a worry if the original Windows license is a full "Retail" license - typically purchased separately from the computer and not pre-installed during the initial build.

My concern, however, is you didn't mention anything about your CPU or RAM. Unless the new board is the same brand and model number as the old, odds are the CPU and RAM are not compatible with the new board. This is especially true if the new board is considerably newer than the old. So you need to verify compatibility first, or just plan on buying a new CPU and RAM at the same time. Other components (drives, PSU, expansion cards, keyboard, mouse, monitors) should work just fine.

Also, note that cases are designed to support 1000s of different motherboards of various shapes and sizes. While the ATX Form Factor standard specifies where standoff mounting holes in the case "can" be, it does not dictate where they "will" be. Same with the mounting holes in the motherboard. So, it is common for cases to have more motherboard mounting points than boards have mounting holes. And one board may have a mounting hole in a specific place while another board may not.

So when mounting the new board, you must verify inserted standoffs are only located where there is a corresponding motherboard mounting hole. Otherwise, you risk shorting out the new board and potentially cause permanent damage the very first time you power up.

 

I did contact Microsoft.. and there was no problem. I was told because the install is linked to my Microsoft account I can re-install it on the new board. I just had to skip the license key step, then when it asks for my Microsoft account I just need to enter it and all will be ok... and it is... Windows activated....

 

My license is digital... as I found out it's tied to my Microsoft account...

Everything was changed, mainboard, CPU, memory etc....

 

Digital is not really a type of license. Digital is just the "media" being used to provide it to you - similar to DVD or flash drive. But it is a moot point since Microsoft accepted yours.

Glad all is going well and thanks for your followup. Happy New Year!