How to move OS drive to new PC and keep Windows and Activation! EASY!

YES! You can move your OS drive to a new PC and keep your files and windows in tact! Here's how!

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[kenklak]

It needs to be said again; Jay, putting aside your own invaluable contributions to your channel, your production staff are simply fantastic. The little editing add-ons and clean production sure shows you have a great team. For example, that little fast forward in old-style format is a great touch. I know I'm blowing smoke up butts here, but so what. Sometimes people need to be recognized and not taken for granted by viewers.

[cheezyjokester]

One thing I always do too is go into Device Manager, Show Hidden Devices, and uninstall all of the old items from old board. I just find it cleans it up Device Manager and has prevented me issues later on at times. I have used the Activate Windows feature for so long now when switching hardware. Great video Jay!

[Chuck.S.]

You do not have to activate by phone. Click troubleshoot. It will give you a list of computers you have on your account. You pick the one you are replacing.

[Animewolf]

Oh this sounds like something I'm gonna need when I do a new build in a couple years *saved*

[anotheruser]

I remember the days when Microsoft was very skeptical that you 'replaced your motherboard'. So glad they wised up.

[xbolt]

I kept the same Windows installation (besides updating from 7 to 10) through three different builds on a spinny hard drive. Ten years of accumulated crap, and things were very slow at that point. I could turn the system on and go make a coffee while waiting for Windows to boot up. I finally moved to an SSD two years ago, and my goodness! Best upgrade I ever did.

[lescoe]

I do lots of these at work, and recommend running neowin ghostbuster to clean up drivers no longer needed. Its a good idea to delete your system restore points and create a fresh one too.

[vgriga]

This is crazy, my teen son and I built a new PC last night and did exactly that, i. e. put the system drive from old PC destined for parts. I was getting ready for all the pain associated with the move but the PC loaded Windows 10 no problem. It did not even ask for reactivation (yet?) and Windows 11 installed during the update! Absolutely smooth relocation. And, thanks to you, guys, now I know what to do if it decided to ask for reactivation. You rock!

[Lt_Saltbeard]

There is also a way to manually remove the windows key from the motherboard. it does involve using some commands, but i've done it and it works just fine. Just make sure to write down the key number BEFORE you remove it from the motherboard otherwise its gone.

[king_dom_]

Jay you have no idea how much this helped me, I'm literally going to build a new computer today and use the same NVMEs form the old one (with windows 11 on it). So Thank you for the great video and keep up the great content!! New build I5 13700k, zotac 4080super (white), NZXT Kraken cooler (360, white), Gigabyte Z790, 1000w PSU and corsair DDR5 6400mhz, NZXT H6 Flow

[MegatronEvo]

This is such perfect timing as I'm soon building a new rig with only my SSDs moving across. Thank you

[supernova]

09:19 Baby, this is what you came for.... Lightning....

[FearlessFatman]

Where was this yesterday when i needed it? 😂

[thedarkemissary]

Still running off my Windows 7 key. Got the free 10 upgrade. Got the free 11 upgrade. On my 4th harddrive since 2010. Not sure how, not sure why. They just keep giving me free Windows when I change drives. Yes, I have a Microsoft account. All it does is ask if I'm changing to new parts. "Boom, here's a free Windows install."

[VBandit]

Bro I was JUST going to be getting a new PC, this literally couldn't be more perfectly timed.

[christopherbailey]

@jaytwocents you have no clue how much this helps. I literally just finished a new build not even 72 hrs ago and just swapped over my drives and ran into the windows activate thing and have yet to figure it out. 🎉 I swear you read my mind with this video. Thank you thank you thank you.

[smallrino]

IIRC Windows Licence Keys are now attached or able to be attached to a Microsoft-Account, and when logged in itll activate it on its own.

[pdamasco]

The only thing J forgot to mention is that the system has to have UEFI enabled on both computers and no raid.

[jaysgamingandbuildsc]

jay you can also just go to activate then go to troubleshoot and chose the licence you want to use

[GMLNGZ]

wow. I'm doing this later today. great timing