A question people have on their minds when they’re getting a new CPU or motherboard is whether or not they need to reinstall Windows.
Table Of Contents
- Is Windows tied to the CPU?
- Signature verification
- Reasons to reinstall Windows with a new motherboard
- License issues
- Hardware drivers
- How to reactivate Windows after hardware change
- Frequently asked questions
- What Happens if I Change My Processor?
- Do You Need To Reinstall Windows When Switching From Intel to AMD?
- Bottom line
In general, you don’t have to reinstall Windows if you change your CPU. However, one must reinstall Windows when they change the motherboard of their PC. This ensures that all drivers work as expected to get optimal performance from their newly built computer system.
Read on for more details on this topic, including why you need to reinstall Windows when changing your PC’s motherboard.

Is Windows tied to the CPU?
Windows isn’t tied to the CPU, and you don’t need new Windows with a new processor. Instead, you can use your Windows disc to update the drivers for the new processor. This keeps you from having to purchase a new operating system.
However, if you change your motherboard and not just the processor, you’ll need a new copy of Windows because it’s tied to your PC’s unique hardware profile.
Your PC uses this profile to load all the appropriate drivers when Windows first boots up after your computer has been turned on. So changing out components like your motherboard means that this hardware profile needs updating with what Microsoft calls “signature verification”.
Signature verification
Whenever Windows is installed, whether as a clean install or an upgrade, it’ll be attached to the motherboard.
Now, if you change something as crucial as your PC’s motherboard, Windows won’t be able to verify that signature, so reinstalling it’s required.
When one updates their drivers from the disc that came with a new processor, this doesn’t require a complete reinstallation of Windows because Windows can use its own “signature verification” to ensure the correct drivers are being used.
However, if there’s no signature verification for these drivers, then you’ll need to install them again via the disc that comes with your operating system before getting optimized performance out of your new processor.
If you want to change out components without needing new software, then making sure your hardware configuration stays the same throughout your build process will help ensure that you don’t need to get a new copy of Windows when you finally turn on your computer for the first time after everything is put together.
You may have to update some drivers manually. However, these updates can ALSO be done through the Windows automatic updating feature with no additional discs.
Reasons to reinstall Windows with a new motherboard

There are several reasons why you would need to reinstall Windows with a new motherboard. Here are two of the most common reasons why one may want to reinstall their operating system when they change the motherboard:
License issues
As this blog post highlights, windows won’t find a license that matches your new motherboard. This will require a complete reinstallation of Windows.
This isn’t too much of an issue, as you probably would have needed a new copy of Windows to get all the most up-to-date drivers for your motherboard.
However, this may come across as inconvenient to many looking to cut costs by only purchasing necessary parts instead of getting everything at once.
This is the exact reason why you need a replacement disc if your computer hard drive dies and you replace it with a new one.
If you reload windows, Microsoft won’t verify that it’s still legally licensed and will prompt you for another activation code.
Hardware drivers
If there are any drivers your motherboard requires that your current version of Windows doesn’t have, you’ll need to reinstall the OS. This will help ensure that all of the necessary drivers are available for your new hardware.
However, these drivers must be obtained from the manufacturer’s site and not just any random download site to avoid getting a version created by someone else or otherwise corrupted.
How to reactivate Windows after hardware change

If you make a significant hardware change, such as installing a new motherboard on your PC, then you’ll need to reactivate Windows.
The steps to take will depend on whether you have a digital license or not.
If you have a digital license, you can reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter. To do that, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your PC with an administrator account.
- Select the Start button and open the Settings menu.
- From the Settings control panel, select Update & Security, then Activation.
- From the Activation menu, select Troubleshoot. You’ll get the message, “Windows can’t be activated from this device.”
- Click any option that says there was a recent hardware change on your device, then select Next.
- Provide your Microsoft Account login details and check the box that states, “This is the device I’m using right now.”
- Select Activate.
However, if you don’t have a product key or digital license, you should follow these steps:
- Sign in to your PC’s administrator account.
- Click the Start button, then select Settings.
- From the Settings control panel, select Update & Security.
- Select Activation.
- Select Go To Store. This will redirect you to the Microsoft Store, where you can buy a new license.
This video provides valuable information on how to buy a Windows license from the Microsoft Store:
Pro Tip: Take the time to back up your data before you start reinstalling Windows. You can do this by creating a system image on an external hard drive or flash device and then transferring any crucial files over to another computer if possible. Then, if something goes wrong when you reinstall Windows, at least you’ll have a recent backup of your files that isn’t too far out of date.
Frequently asked questions
What Happens if I Change My Processor?
If you change your processor, reinstalling Windows is not necessary. The Windows licensing is tied to the motherboard and not to any specific hardware component. So as long as Windows detects your motherboard, it’ll activate itself automatically without needing to be reinstalled or reactivated.
That being said,an upgrade to your current processorcan make your computer perform much faster and serve you better.
It can be a good investment but don’t try to cut costs by buying the cheapest processor – doing so could end up costly in the long term.
You should buy the one that best matches your current computer’s needs. This will help prevent cracking oroverheating issuesbecause of sub-par hardware.
Do You Need To Reinstall Windows When Switching From Intel to AMD?
It would be best to reinstall Windows on your PC when you switch from Intel to AMD because the processor type determines how fast a CPU can run. If you change it, then Windows might not be able to make the best use of your computer’s existing hardware resources.
This may cause severe problems likeslow performanceor even complete failure.
Bottom line
It’s important to note that one must reinstall Windows when they change the motherboard of their PC. This ensures that all drivers work as expected and get optimal performance from the newly built computer system.
When you buy a new CPU, it’s usually unnecessary to reinstall your operating system.
However, if you upgrade other components (such as RAM or storage) in addition to the CPU, you may need an updated OS for full compatibility with these changes.
FAQs
Should You Reinstall Windows With a New CPU? ›
In general, you don't have to reinstall Windows if you change your CPU. However, one must reinstall Windows when they change the motherboard of their PC. This ensures that all drivers work as expected to get optimal performance from their newly built computer system.
Should I reinstall Windows when installing a new CPU? ›Yes, it's recommended to reinstall windows following a CPU and motherboard upgrade. You could try and run your old OS to see if you'll have major ongoing issues.
Will replacing the CPU be enough to improve my computer's performance? ›An upgraded CPU improves the run speed of the entire system because CPUs manage all of the operating systems and programs on a computer. A new CPU can significantly improve computer performance.
Can I just replace a CPU? ›Yes, you can easily upgrade CPUs in Desktop PCs. You'll have to make sure the CPU you want to get is compatible with the Motherboard and CPU Cooler that you already have.
Do I need to format after CPU change? ›do i need to format the windows after switching the cpu? i know for motherboards you need to format everytime you switch motherboards but do i need to do the same for cpu? Absolutely not, you do not have to do anything. Reset your Bios to default before putting the new chip in and you'll have no problems.
Will changing CPU affect Windows 10? ›Changing the processor (CPU) will not affect the validity of the license, but changing the motherboard will. When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?
Does reinstalling Windows solve problems? ›If you're having problems with Windows 10 on your PC or you want a fresh copy of Windows 10 without the clutter of old files or apps, you can reinstall Windows 10 to try and fix your issues and return your PC to a cleaner state.
Is it better to upgrade CPU or RAM? ›A more powerful processor will help with tasks such as streaming or running multiple programs. At the same time, large amounts of RAM will help with multitasking but will primarily improve performance in complex programs and operations.
Will a new CPU increase FPS? ›The amount of GPU usage also matters. For example, if it's around 80-90%, upgrading your CPU will increase your frame rate, but not by much. By contrast, if your GPU usage is close to 50%, you could potentially double your frame rate by upgrading to a better CPU.
What will happen if you upgrade your CPU? ›Longer Lifespan – A faster CPU will generate more heat than a slower one. Upgrading your CPU can help to keep your system running cooler and extend the life of your hardware. Better Performance – Perhaps the most obvious benefit of upgrading your CPU is improved performance in all areas of your computing experience.
How long do CPUs last? ›
With consistent care and proper cooling, a normal CPU can last around 10 years. However, that doesn't mean it'll be as efficient as it was when you first bought it.
How often should you upgrade CPU? ›If you use CPU-intensive applications, such as for professional editing, then it's usually worth upgrading your CPU every two or three CPU generations. Similarly, if you're running a very old CPU you might want to upgrade just to improve your day-to-day desktop experience.
Do I need a new motherboard for a new CPU? ›But to upgrade your CPU, you'll have to upgrade your motherboard, too. CPUs from different generations use different sockets and may require a different chipset to your existing motherboard. Upgrading your motherboard for better gaming is also a good idea.
Does CPU affect Windows speed? ›The performance of your CPU — the “brain” of your PC — has a major impact on the speed at which programs load and how smoothly they run. However, there are a few different ways to measure processor performance. Clock speed (also “clock rate” or “frequency”) is one of the most significant.
Why is my PC slower after upgrading CPU? ›The most common reasons are: The cooler isn't installed properly and the CPU overheats. During install the ram isn't installed properly or you are getting ram errors. During assembly the power jacks aren't connected properly.
Will my PC turn on if my CPU is bad? ›A computer with a bad CPU won't go through the usual "boot-up" process when you turn the power on. You may hear the fans and disk drive running, but the screen may remain completely blank. No amount of key pressing or mouse clicking will get a response from the PC.
Can viruses remain after reinstalling Windows? ›It depends how you do it - a "reset my pc" can still get virus infected e.g. if the recovery partition is infected in some way. Rare but not impossible. The only sure fire way to reinstall is to boot from a usb drive created on a clean pc, then install from that deleting all partitions.
Can viruses stay after reinstall Windows? ›Running a factory reset, also referred to as a Windows Reset or reformat and reinstall, will destroy all data stored on the computer's hard drive and all but the most complex viruses with it. Viruses can't damage the computer itself and factory resets clear out where viruses hide.
Is it better to reset PC or reinstall Windows? ›In summary, Windows 10 Reset is more likely to be a basic troubleshooting method, while a Clean Install is an advanced solution for more complex problems. If you don't know which method to apply, first have a try on Windows Reset, if it doesn't help, fully backup your computer data, and then perform a Clean Install.
Is 16GB RAM enough? ›16GB is the recommended amount of RAM for playing most games and will provide a noticeable increase in performance from 8GB. You will also be able to run applications in the background without affecting gameplay.
What makes a computer fast? ›
What makes a computer runfaster? A fast computer usually has a high processor speed and large amount of RAM. The higher these two factors are, the faster your computer will be.
Does CPU limit RAM speed? ›The speed of your processor and the bus speed of the computer motherboard is the limiting factors on the speed of RAM installed in your computer. RAM upgrades are limited by the capability of the computer and the availability of expansion slots for adding RAM.
How do I know if my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU? ›The one you want to look at is “CPU Impact on FPS,” which should be 10% or lower. This number will tell you whether a mismatch between CPU and GPU is causing a bottleneck, and whether upgrading either component will resolve the issue.
Does CPU really matter for gaming? ›From frame rates to scalable gameplay settings, the CPU is a vital component for gaming. A CPU's clock speed and core count help to indicate its performance capabilities. Certain CPUs contain additional features like overclocking and integrated graphics.
Should I upgrade CPU or GPU first? ›If you notice stuttering during games or your CPU usage is consistently at 100% during tasks, it may be time to upgrade your CPU before your GPU. On the other hand, if your computer struggles with rendering graphics or running visually intensive games, a GPU upgrade may be more beneficial.
What happens if you use 100% of your CPU? ›If the CPU usage is around 100%, this means that your computer is trying to do more work than it has the capacity for. This is usually OK, but it means that programs may slow down a little. Computers tend to use close to 100% of the CPU when they are doing computationally-intensive things like running games.
How do I know if I need to upgrade my CPU? ›It's pretty simple to check whether or not a given application would benefit from more cores. Check your CPU usage when performing a task by opening up a resource monitor like Task Manager or MSI Afterburner. If CPU usage is close to 100%, then you would likely benefit from having a CPU with more cores.
Will I lose data if I upgrade CPU? ›No. Your computer stores it's data on the hard drive/solid state drive,so you don't need to worry,but you will need to make sure you get the right socketed cpu,along with correct memory dimm type.
What shortens CPU lifespan? ›A study published in 2013 found that overclocked CPUs are more likely to overheat and fail. Overheating can damage the CPU, motherboard, and other components. Overclocking may also reduce the lifespan of a CPU by causing it to run at higher speeds for more extended periods.
Does heat reduce CPU lifespan? ›As long as the temperature is lower than the original standard (105 or 100 Celsius degrees) regulated by Intel, the CPU lifespan will not be affected. The CPU has its own protection system/mechanism. When the core temperature exceeds the set temperature, the power will be reduced to maintain a safe temperature.
How long does thermal paste last on CPU? ›
Although high-end compounds can maintain efficacy up to 7 years after installation, manufacturers recommend removing any thermal paste from your CPU's heat-spreader and CPU Cooler every 2-3 years to be on the safe side.
Do I need to update my BIOS for new CPU? ›if the system works properly after installing a new cpu a bios update probably isn't needed. But if the bios update say it has changes for your specific cpu it would likely be a good idea to update. if the bios update doesn't include changes for your cpu the update would be unnecessary.
What CPU time is too high? ›If you're unsure whether your CPU usage is too high, here are a few indicators to look out for: High idle CPU usage: You're not running any programs and your CPU usage is still above 20%. Higher than usual CPU usage: You're not using any new programs, and yet your CPU usage is higher than it used to be.
Is A GPU more important than a CPU? ›The GPU is an extremely important component of a gaming system, and in many cases, even more crucial than the CPU when it comes to playing certain types of games. Simple description: A GPU is a single-chip processor that's used chiefly to manage and enhance video and graphics performance.
Will I lose Windows if I change motherboard? ›If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you'll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.
How long do motherboards last? ›If treated well and kept clean, a motherboard can last for up to 20 years or even more. What you'll find is that the hardware available to that motherboard becomes obsolete, and you may need to upgrade to the latest hardware, but the motherboard itself should continue working just fine.
What to know before changing motherboard and CPU? ›- You must remove your old hardware and motherboard before installing the new one.
- You may use your old hardware, such as hard drives and graphics cards, with a new motherboard.
- You may need to acquire and install new hardware such as a new CPU or RAM compatible with your new motherboard.
Is it better to reinstall Windows from cloud or local? Cloud download or local reinstall are the two options available to reinstall Windows. Local reinstall works best if you want to reinstall your windows through the saved system files on your PC. You can opt for cloud download if you have a good internet connection.
How long does a Windows reinstall last? ›Generally, reinstalling Windows takes between 1 and 5 hours. However, the timing may vary based on the factors listed below.
Is reinstalling Windows 11 a good idea? ›For instance, if the computer has had the same setup for a long time, a clean install of Windows 11 can help resolve performance issues, problems shutting down, booting up, memory, and apps. Also, this type of installation is the best method to upgrade from an older version (such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1).
What should I do when I install a new CPU? ›
- Preparation.
- Earth yourself.
- Remove the old CPU.
- Install the CPU.
- Apply thermal paste to your new CPU.
- Getting your new CPU to boot.
- Testing and troubleshooting.
- Ensure that your CPU is compatible with your motherboard. ...
- (Optional) Back up your data. ...
- (Optional) Update your BIOS. ...
- Gather your tools. ...
- Crack open your PC. ...
- Remove the heatsink or fan. ...
- Clean off the old thermal paste. ...
- Remove the old processor.
Last but not least, a local reinstall is typically faster and more reliable than a cloud download. This is because the files are downloaded from your hard drive rather than from the internet. This means that there is no need to worry about internet connection speeds or bandwidth limitations.
Do I need to update my motherboard for a new CPU? ›But to upgrade your CPU, you'll have to upgrade your motherboard, too. CPUs from different generations use different sockets and may require a different chipset to your existing motherboard. Upgrading your motherboard for better gaming is also a good idea.
Can my motherboard handle a new CPU? ›Each motherboard is built with a specific type of socket which means you'll need to find out what socket it has to guarantee compatibility. If you have a CPU with a socket that's incompatible with your motherboard, it won't be able to physically plug into the motherboard.
Does a new CPU need drivers? ›Do CPUs have drivers? In general, no. CPUs don't have drivers and don't need them to run. Your system does need to install its chipset drivers — related to the motherboard — in order to integrate all the components together and use all of your system's features.
Is it better to factory reset or reinstall Windows 10? ›Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.
What is the best way to completely reinstall Windows 10? ›- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the Get started button.
- Click the “Remove everything” option to perform a fresh install of Windows 10.
- Click the “Local reinstall” option.