may become defective and cause start up issues in your Windows 10/8/7 OS.

Thus, like most other people, you probably also want to upgrade your hardware without reinstalling Windows.

Then, here comes a question: can I upgrade my motherboard and CPU withoutreinstalling Windows 10/8/7?

How to Upgrade Processor/CPU in a PC? Follow the Full Guide!

This article is targeted to you it introduces how to replace dead motherboard without reinstalling Windows in detail.

Once the process is correctly completed, the Windows OS will be able to boot after the motherboard upgrade.

How to upgrade a processor/CPU in your PC?

MiniTool ShadowMaker system backup by default

Additionally, itsUniversal Restorefeature allows you to restore Windows OS to a computer with different hardware.

No changes will be made to the previous system options that you are accustomed to.

Now,try out this tool by downloading its Trial Edition for free from the following button.

MiniTool ShadowMaker create bootable media

Note that this edition only offers a 30-day free trial.

If you like this software, upgrade to itsPro Edition.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

After downloading, start the hardware upgrade.

start WinPE-based media creation

And here, we will take replace motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 as an example.

Of course, you might skip this process to the next one if you find it unnecessary.

Lets see how to back up Windows 7 OS.

select a type for bootable media

Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition.

Just follow the tip to go to theBackuptab.

Step 3: Take a look at this following interface!

2 Alternative Ways to Back up System Files to the Recovery Drive

Step 1: Open MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition, chooseKeep Trialand local backup.

Step 2: Under theToolstab, chooseMedia Builderfeature.

Step 3: Click theWinPE-based media with MiniTool plug-insection to continue.

perform universal restore after changing motherboard and CPU

Then, start the creation.

In the end, you will have a recovery drive with system backup.

Want to back up system files to the recovery drive to restore PC?

MiniTool ShadowMaker Universal Restore

Here are the detailed information and two effective alternatives ways.

Additionally, the CPU should be selected according to the motherboards model and performance parameter.

In short, choose proper motherboard and CPU.

change msahci value data to 0 in Windows 7

After completing the selection, take measure to upgrade them.

If you have changed your motherboard and CPU, Windows 7 will be not working.

MiniTool ShadowMaker has a feature calledUniversal Restore, enabling you torestore the system to the computer with dissimilar hardware.

change pciide value data to 0 in Windows 7

Here, you might use it to perform a restore after changing CPU and motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7/8/10.

Step 2: A few seconds later, MiniTool ShadowMaker Bootable Edition will launch.

Just go to theToolstab to choose theUniversal Restorefeature.

repair your computer Windows 7

Choose Windows 7 and clickRestoreto repair the unbootable OS after replacing or upgrading the motherboard and CPU.

Now, download and install it on your PC for this work.

it’s possible for you to share this freeware with your friends that need it.

system recovery options screen

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Method 2: Change Registry

This way is a bit complicated.

If you havent replaced your motherboard and CPU yet, Windows can start up normally.

After that, your Windows OS should be able to boot normally.

type regedit in Command Prompt

This method is quite helpful for replacing the motherboard and changing the CPU without a fresh install.

just remember to complete this method before you upgrade the motherboard and CPU.

Step 1: After computer boot, configure the language, time and format, keyboard or input method.

highlight the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Step 2: In the following screen, clickRepair your rig.

Step 3: In theSystem Recovery Optionsscreen, chooseCommand Prompt.

Step 5: Highlight theHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEkey.

load hive in the registry editor

Step 6: ChooseLoad Hivefrom theFilemenu to load the offline registry.

Step 7: Go to the drive where Windows is installed and choose system file.

Usually it is the path:C:\Windows\system32\config\system.

load hive to open system file in config

Step 8: pop in a key name, for example,Offline.

Step 9: Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Offline\ControlSet001\services\msahciand double-clickStartto change the value data to0.

By this way, it’s possible for you to upgrade motherboard and CPU without reinstalling Windows.

type offline as the key name

If your OS is Windows 7, there is nothing to worry about.

Windows will most likely reactivate by itself.

If it doesnt, call Microsoft for help.

change value data of msahci key to 0

For Windows 10, Microsoft gives a help tutorial Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change.

Alternatively, you’re able to reactivate it by following the tips.

Step 2: Upgrade the motherboard & CPU.

change value data of paciide key to 0

Next, sign in your Microsoft Account again and click theActivatebutton.