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Do I Have to Buy Windows Again If I Change a New Motherboard?

My Windows 10 computer has slowed down, so I guess something is wrong with my motherboard. To solve this problem, I want to change my motherboard to a new one. But do I have to buy Windows again if I change a new motherboard?

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Jerry· Answered on Jun 17, 2026

No, you don't have to buy Windows again if your change a new motherboard.

An OEM license would be present if Windows was preinstalled on the computer when purchased. The OEM license will no longer apply if you switch to a different type of motherboard because you are designing a different PC. However, the license should still be valid if a defective motherboard is replaced with a replacement of the same kind.

The license for a retail version should be transferable to a new PC if you purchased it and installed it yourself. However, you may need to call Microsoft to get them to approve the transfer. Transferring your retail license to a new PC shouldn't require purchasing a brand-new one.

You can perform a universal restore with professional universal restore software like EaseUS Todo Backup. This can help you change a new motherboard without buying a new Windows.

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For that purpose, you need to create a Windows 10 system image on an external drive and restore it on your computer.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a professional universal restore utility for Windows 11/10/8/7. It can help you back up files, systems, disks, partitions, and computer apps. In addition, it lets you install Windows 10 from one computer to another.

Most importantly, you can have 250G free cloud storage and a security zone to protect your data.

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