How to Migrate OEM Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive [Step-by-Step Guide for 2024]

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system that comes pre-installed on new computers. It is an updated version of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system designed for end-users. Each OEM version has a unique license key that is only valid on the computer on which it was initially registered. The Windows License Key, also referred to as the OEM key, is bound to the hardware of the computer, specifically the motherboard.

However, you might need to migrate the OEM if your system is running slow, using an old OS, or has limited storage, which requires moving the OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive. In this case, it's vital not to replace the PC's motherboard. This article from tools will guide you through how to transfer OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive. Stay tuned and keep reading!

Can You Transfer OEM Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive?

Yes, you can, but under the condition that you do not replace the motherboard of your PC. The OEM Windows 10 License is not eligible for transfer to another computer; however, it can be moved to a new hard drive. For instance, you can migrate the OEM Windows 10 from an HDD to an SSD as long as the original motherboard remains unchanged.

Therefore, each OEM Windows 10 installation is unique because it is linked to the OEM key embedded in the motherboard of the computer on which it was activated. Typically, motherboards are designed to function optimally with particular processors and memory configurations. If the motherboard is replaced, the operating system may not function properly or may require reactivation.

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How to Transfer OEM Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive

When you need more substantial storage capacity, better computer system performance, or a OS upgrade, you might have to move your OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive. That's when a good ol' fashioned migration comes in handy. But, successfully shifting OEM Windows 10 to a fresh HDD depends on having a reliable hard drive cloning software, like ToolDisk Copy.

Disk Copy Tools is indispensable for those who wish to successfully transfer OEM Windows to another hard drive thanks to its numerous exceptional features.

• It can transfer Windows 10 from an HDD to an SSD without losing data.
• It helps effortlessly migrate your data from one computer to another.
• It performs disk cloning, simplifying the process of moving data and programs individually to a new hard drive.
• It enables users to create a WinPE bootable disk and adjust the disk partition size during cloning.

Tools like Disk Copy can cater to all your needs for cloning, migrating, or copying data from one hard drive to another. Feel confident and secure to download and utilize it on your computer.

Follow the steps below to transfer OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive:

Prior Notice:

• The "Sector by sector copy" option requires the destination disk to be at least as large or larger than the source disk. If you want to clone a larger hard disk to a smaller one, do not check this feature.
• All data on the destination disk will be completely wiped out, so please proceed with caution.

Step 1. To begin copying/ cloning an entire disk to another, select the disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the target disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source", or "Edit disk layout".

• "Autofit the disk" makes default adjustments to the destination disk layout to optimize its performance.
• "Copy as the source" preserves the original state and the layout remains identical to the source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" enables you to manually adjust and relocate partitions on the destination disk according to your preferences.

Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to optimize your SSD for peak performance.

A message will now appear, cautioning you about data loss. Please acknowledge this message by clicking "OK," and then proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially initiate the task.

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III. The Concluding Thoughts

Transferring an OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive is feasible as long as you don't change the motherboard of your computer. This transfer can be accomplished using a trustworthy hard disk cloning utility like Tool Disk Copy, which offers various exceptional features such as system backup, protection from ransomware and virus attacks, active system migration, and more. It facilitates a hassle-free transfer of OEM Windows 10 to a new computer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Although Disk Copy is straightforward to use for transferring OEM Windows 10 to another hard drive, you might encounter some common or probable questions, which include:

1. Can I transfer my OEM Windows 10 to a new hard drive?

Yes, an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version of Windows 10 can be transferred to a new hard drive, provided that the key hardware components, particularly the motherboard, remain unchanged. An OEM copy of Windows 10 is tied to the first system it was activated on and is intended for use on that specific device.

2. Can the OEM key be transferred?

No, it cannot. The OEM key, or the Windows license, is registered and bound to the motherboard of the computer on which it was initially activated. Consequently, it cannot be transferred to another device.

3. Can I use a Windows 10 OEM license on another computer?

No, it cannot be used. They are specific to only one computer. The license is tied to the original motherboard. If the motherboard fails, the license is no longer valid.

4. Are OEM licenses tied to the motherboards?

Yes, they are. OEM licenses are bound and registered to the motherboard of the computer on which they were initially activated.