How to Transfer OEM Windows 10 to New Hard Drive [2023 Guideline]

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Windows 10 is Microsoft OS with a unique license key that works only on the first PC on which it was installed. Its uniqueness is due to the fact each license key is only connected to the motherboard of the PC on which it was first registered. This fact has birthed a lot of issues such as the possibility of transferring an OEM to another PC or hard drive. Read carefully as this article presents how to transfer OEM Windows 10 to a new Hard Drive.

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Updated by Jean on Jul 20, 2023
Written by Larissa

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.

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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.

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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.

system clone step1

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

system clone step1

*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.

system clone step3

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

Optimize for SSD

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to start cloning.

clone system step4

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.

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Support Windows 11/10/8/7

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.

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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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