Hi Microsoft,

I'm currently waiting to upgrade my motherboard as I need this question answered. I'm changing from my Pre-installed JasmineR motherboard from my HP Pavilion 500-242ea to the ASUS ROG Crossblade Ranger. I've been searching all over the internet trying to find out if i can upgrade my motherboard without having to clean install windows 8.1. All the things I have found say that this is possible but every thread I've seen seems to be conflicted by people saying that it is not possible. I've seen everywhere that I would have to re-activate windows but is this all I have to do to get my windows 8.1 to boot with everything intact. I have that much stuff that i can not afford to clean install so can i change my motherboard without losing anything and if so then how?

1-You have to do a clean install.  There  are just far too many different drivers, configurations, settings, etc that are vastly different.  If you dont do a clean install you may be sending days/weeks working out the kinks.

2-The other thing you should consider.  If the OS was pre-installed and you change the Mobo you will need to buy a new win 8 key as pre-installed os (called OEM) are tied to the original har

Are you sure? There are lots of forums that say that this is completely possible.

Without Clean installing your system won't work-the drivers and chipsets are different so your system can't load Windows...so you must have to go for a Clean install.

Once you install Windows you need to go for a reactivation.

Best idea will be back up all your important things before swapping the motherboard.

Only one way to find out, but as you can see the opinion is unanimous.