If I Change My Hard Drive Do I Need to Buy Windows Again?
My current drive is too small in size, which is causing my computer to run slow. I want to buy a new one to change it. Do I have to buy another Windows 10 license when I install a new hard disk? Or is there a better way to solve this problem? Thanks!
Best Answered by
Jerry· Answered on Nov 21, 2023
You don't need to purchase a new Windows if you only change the hard drive.
You can reinstall Windows 10 anytime for no cost except your time. Since you had Windows 10 installed previously, it won't be a problem for activation. If you have a retail license for Windows, you can jump through a few steps and use it on the new hardware configuration.
Skip the steps when it asks you for a license during installation, and then select the option "I am reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC". A digital entitlement will be saved on the Microsoft Activation Server for your PC.
You can find the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and the latest Windows 10 ISO. Select "Create Installation Media for Another PC" and create a bootable USB drive (at least 8GB) with the tool. Then, set the USB drive in the boot order of your BIOS as the priority and start the installation.
Note: It will be a different case if you are also planning to replace the CPU or motherboard. You won't be able to activate Windows on the new hardware if it's an OEM version in this case.
You can also download disk cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy, which is an easier and faster way to migrate Windows OS from one hard drive to another. You don't have to reinstall the operating system during the process. However, you should always back up the important files before cloning to avoid unexpected data loss.
If you choose EaseUS Disk Copy as your solution, below is a related post for you to learn the detailed steps.
Related article: [Solved] How to Move OS to Another Drive Without Reinstalling Windows and Applications
Download the smartest and easiest Disk Cloning Software
Use EaseUS Disk Copy to upgrade small HDD, replace old/failed hard drive, migrate OS, clone HDD to SSD without reinstalling data.
People Also Ask
How Long Does It Take to Clone a Hard Drive with Acronis?
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is one of the most popular cloning tools that allows its users to clone a hard drive. How long does it take to clone a hard drive with it? Keep reading and find your answer here.
Larissa
Nov 21, 2023
Is Cloning a Hard Drive Legal?
Is cloning a hard drive legal? Are you curious about the answer? If yes, you are coming to the right page. This short post will describe whether it is legal to clone a hard drive and offer one way to do so.
Jerry
Nov 21, 2023
How to Replace C Drive with a New SSD
Received a new SSD and want to replace your C drive with it? It's ok to do so. You can read this post and find the answer you need here.
Melissa Lee
Nov 21, 2023
Can We Add An SSD Drive In A Dell 3584 Model Having a 1TB HDD Drive?
Wondering if you can use an HDD and an SSD on the same laptop at the same time? This post from EaseUS will give you an answer.
Larissa
Nov 21, 2023
Does Cloning a Hard Drive Copy the OS?
Cloning a hard drive is the easiest way to replace a drive with a larger one. But does cloning a hard drive copy the OS? This article will tell you whether cloning a dive will copy the operating system and offer a cloning tool named EaseUS Disk Copy to help you.
Jerry
Nov 21, 2023
If I Clone a Hard Drive, Will I Have to Install an OS on It and All the Programs?
If I clone a hard drive, will I have to install an OS on it and all the programs? Do you want to get the right answer? This article will tell whether cloning a hard drive will copy the OS and the programs and provide a cloning tool named EaseUS Disk Copy.
Jerry
Nov 21, 2023
