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- Will I need to get a new Windows key if I upgrade my CPU / G...

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03-11-2024 09:41 AM - edited 03-11-2024 11:26 AM
Hi I'm upgrading my CPU / GPU i currently have an i3-7100 and internal graphics and want to upgrade I have an i7 7700 and a HP GTX 1660 single fan I was wondering if I would need to get a new Windows product key or would I just be okay to upgrade my parts
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03-11-2024 09:56 AM - edited 03-11-2024 09:59 AM
You won't need another Windows activation key.
I do recommend that you only upgrade one part at a time.
Your motherboard's MAC address is registered on the Windows activation servers.
That is Microsoft's current OS license activation model.
Even if you upgraded the SSD or hard disk and installed a fresh Windows 10 installation, the OS would activate as soon as the PC went online.
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03-11-2024 09:56 AM - edited 03-11-2024 09:59 AM
You won't need another Windows activation key.
I do recommend that you only upgrade one part at a time.
Your motherboard's MAC address is registered on the Windows activation servers.
That is Microsoft's current OS license activation model.
Even if you upgraded the SSD or hard disk and installed a fresh Windows 10 installation, the OS would activate as soon as the PC went online.
I am volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"
03-11-2024 10:24 AM
Hi, @Halko67
If you have upgraded the processor to the i7-7700, you are already at the maximum processor supported.
HP Pavilion 570-p064 Desktop PC Product Specifications | HP® Support
Intel 7th generation core processors do not meet Micrsoft's minimum W11 processor requirements.
Windows processor requirements Windows 11 supported Intel processors | Microsoft Learn
If you are interested in installing W11 on your PC as is, you can read this discussion for how I upgraded several HP and Dell notebook and desktop PC's that did not meet the W11 hardware requirements to W11 22H2.
You have to use the version of the Rufus utility that I zipped up and attached in the discussion (v3.18).
Re: Issues upgrading to windows 11 - HP Support Community - 8517912
If the in-place upgrade fails, you should be able to clean install W11 using the bootable W11 installation flash drive you made with Rufus.
03-11-2024 10:27 AM
He said he is upgrading to an i7- i7700, if I understood his statements correctly.
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03-11-2024 10:30 AM
As I read the post...'I have an i7 7700 and a GTX 1660 from HP,' I interpret that as already having been installed.
The PC originally came with the i3-7100.
If that's not what he meant, then I stand reproved.
03-11-2024 10:31 AM
His statement was a bit vague.
Perhaps he will reply back and provide more information.
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03-11-2024 11:30 AM
The upgrade should be without issue in that case. Just remember what I said about upgrading one part at a time.
Your question about needing a new Windows activation key code was answered in my first reply.
It was no, a new Windows activation key code is not needed.
I am volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"