OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer ) Windows 10 is a Microsoft Operating System installed on the hardware of a new computer. It is the upgraded version of the Microsoft Windows NT Operating System for consumers. Every Original Equipment Manufacturer version has its unique license key, which works only on the computer on which it was registered. The Windows License Key, otherwise known as the OEM key, is tied to the hardware (motherboard) of the computer.
However, there may be a need to transfer the OEM if the system is slow in processing, has an outdated operating system, or has a smaller storage capacity, thus, raising a need to transfer OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive. In this case, ensure you do not change the motherboard of the PC.
Is It Possible to Transfer OEM Windows 10 to New Hard Drive?
Yes, you can but on the condition that you do not change the motherboard of your PC. The OEM Windows 10 License is not transferrable to another computer but can be transferred to a new hard drive. For example, you can move the OEM Windows 10 from HDD to SSD with the same motherboard. Hence, every OEM Windows 10 is unique because OEM Windows 10 is tied to OEM key of the motherboard of the computer on which it was activated. Generally, motherboards are designed to work with specific processors and memory. If the motherboard is changed, the OS will not work.
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How To Transfer OEM Windows 10 To A New Hard Drive
With the need of a large storage capacity, quick or better computer system performance, or upgrading of the operating system, OEM Windows 10 can be transferred to a new hard drive. It should be transferred in cases like these.
But the possibility of a successful transfer of OEM Windows 10 to a new HDD depends on getting a reliable hard disk cloning tool like EaseUS Todo Backup.
EaseUS Todo Backup is indispensable for those who would like to successfully transfer OEM Windows to another hard drive because of its numerous exceptional features.
- It can back up the system and hard drive to a cloud while protecting important files from ransomware. Again, it makes upgrading the computer and duplication of disks easy yet effective. It can also resume system operation immediately if the computer fails.
- It carries out disk cloning which reduces the task of transferring data and programs one after the other to a new hard drive. Also, it can connect an active system directly to a new hard drive, thereby keeping data secure in virus infection cases.
- It allows users to create emergency USB disks. It provides security zone backup with an inaccessible partition so malware cannot affect it. Performs backups even while the system is active, restores operations, and provides an off-site copy of data, amongst others.
Follow the steps below to transfer OEM windows 10 to a new hard drive:
Step 1. On the main page, find and click "Tools", system clone and other utilities are here.

Step 2. EaseUS Todo Backup will automatically select the boot and system partition, choose the target disk and click "Next."

*System clone will wipe out all data and does not support cloning MBR disk to GPT or vice versa. Make sure that the partition style of the source disk and the target disk are the same.

Step 3. If the target disk is a SSD, choose optimize for SSD in the advanced options.

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to start cloning.

The Concluding Thoughts
Transferring OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive is possible on the condition that you do not change the motherboard of your PC. This transfer can be done using a reliable hard disk cloning tool like EaseUS Todo Backup, which provides numerous exceptional features such as system backup, protection from ransomware and virus infections, active system connection, and so on.
FAQS
Although EaseUS Todo Backup is very easy to use when transferring OEM Windows10 to another hard drive, here are common or probable questions that you may have:
1. Can I transfer OEM windows 10 to a new hard drive?
Yes. OEM windows 10 can be transferred to a new hard drive on the condition that important hardware components, such as the motherboard, are not changed. OEM Windows 10 works only on the OS on which it was first registered.
2. Can the OEM key be transferred?
No, it cannot. The OEM key, the Window license, is registered or tied to the computer's motherboard on which it was first activated. Therefore, it cannot be transferred.
3. Can I use Windows 10 OEM on another computer?
No, it cannot be used. They are specific for only one computer. The license dies when the original motherboard dies.
4. Are OEM licenses tied to the motherboards?
Yes, they are. OEM licenses are tied and registered to the motherboard of the computer it was first activated in.
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Updated by Jean
Jean has been working as a professional website editor for quite a long time. Her articles focus on topics of computer backup, data security tips, data recovery, and disk partitioning. Also, she writes many guides and tutorials on PC hardware & software troubleshooting. She keeps two lovely parrots and likes making vlogs of pets. With experience in video recording and video editing, she starts writing blogs on multimedia topics now.

Written by Larissa
Larissa has rich experience in writing technical articles. After joining EaseUS, she frantically learned about data recovery, disk partitioning, data backup, and other related knowledge. Now she is able to master the relevant content proficiently and write effective step-by-step guides on computer issues.
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Taking everything into consideration, we can say that EaseUS Todo Backup Home can offer you a little extra sense of security with a set of advanced tools. The interface provides quick adaptation, every process guiding you all the way through so you don't get stuck or further damage your system rather than keeping it safe.
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EaseUS Todo Backup Free lets you create backups of your important files or your entire computer through its streamlined interface. Just choose the backup type you'd like to get started, and let the program do the reset.
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EaseUS includes all the features I expect from backup software like versioning, incremental backups, and scheduling. For more advanced users, EaseUS allows you to install a pre-boot environment onto your hard drive so you can use it to restore files without burning a CD or putting it on an external USB drive.
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