A popular question on the minds of many people is whether they need to reinstall their windows after changing their processor. Many people feel that because they are changing their CPU, it has to come with a fresh windows install and maybe a new motherboard. Many people just feel that is what is right. Is that exactly true or is there more to it?
Well, follow through as we look to answer these questions.
Is it Necessary to Reinstall Windows after Replacing Your CPU?
It is no news that your processors are what make your computer function. They are responsible for decoding, analyzing and performing most of the operations of the software. So, many times, when we want our devices to work faster, then we most likely think of an upgrade.
A processor sends electronic signals with information to the motherboard. This makes the connection of the processor with other parts of the CPU. The instructions performed by the CPU are actually run by the processor in combination with other parts.
A processor is responsible for interpreting these instructions and performing them. This makes the processor an integral part of any computer system. Most of the operations it executes make the operating system run well. So, the processor is responsible for why your device will function adequately.
If you replace a processor, you must ensure the new one does not come with a different architecture. It could affect the windows if it comes with different architecture. What happens in this scenario is that the architecture of the CPU won’t match that of the GPU. It means that the information sent between the two units will load wrongly. As a result, the windows will not come up.
If the architecture remains the same though, there will be no need for a fresh install. Windows will only need you to reactivate the operating system. The architecture in question has to do with the internal structure.
There are different kinds of processors. As you must have rightly guessed, not all computers use the same kind. The differences could be in the shape, internal structure or overall performance. The CPU is a combination of many components which the processor is a part of. All these components are in the processor chip and it is called a processor package.
This means that apart from the processor, other components make up the CPU. We will be considering them and see how integral they can be to your windows install.
Other components of the CPU
- The CPU has six other components apart from the processors. They include: Control Unit: This unit is responsible for sending operations to other components. It also helps out with performing instructions and managing data. It also ensures that the clock is controlled.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit: This is responsible for the arithmetic analysis and operations of the processors. They run the analysis of binary data and transform them to operations.
- Instruction Register: This is responsible for saving the next instruction that will be executed by your computer.
- Cache: This is where several layers of instructions are stored and can be reused.
- Memory Management Unit: This unit is where the data shared between the CPU and RAM are managed.
- Clock: This is responsible for setting the speed at which the CPU works. It also synchronizes the other components to work to the perfect timing.
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Let’s examine the commonly used processors
Just as we have established, there are different kinds of processors. All motherboards or computers do not use the same kind. So, we will be taking a look at the processors that are in use now.
As of today, Intel works with two standard architectures for the Windows OS. They include the 32-bit and 64-bit architecture. The major difference between them is that one transfers data in 32 bits while the other does it in 64 bits. This simply refers to the speed at which your processor works. So, having a faster processor will make you run more operations.
Apart from the Intel processors, there are other types of processors out there. It is just that the Intel processors are the most common type. So, in swapping your processor, you must put into consideration the make of the processor.
How can you upgrade your CPU without having to reinstall Windows 10?
The major problem you will encounter in changing your CPU when you have windows 10 is the license. Most times, the license is connected to the device. It means that the license recognizes the components as a result. Changing the CPU is not like changing the GPU. For a GPU, all you have to do is actualize the drivers. Remember that the CPU performs the operations that your windows runs on. So, a little glitch could affect the windows.
In an ideal situation, changing the CPU should not affect the windows you have installed. However, you might not always have an ideal situation. You just need to reactivate the license. This is only peculiar to Windows 10. If you have an older windows version, it might be somewhat complicated.
The way to avoid the reactivation of the license is by linking the Microsoft account with the windows license. It is quite easy to link them together. All you need to do is have a ready Microsoft account in place. Then, click on your start or windows button and access your settings tab from there. Once you are in, locate the update & security option. Then, click on the activation option. In this menu, you have an option to add a Microsoft account. Once you have the account linked you are good to go.
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Conclusion
Upgrading your CPU will make your computer perform faster. The CPU will function at a better speed performing more operations in a lesser time. However, in an upgrade or change of your CPU as it might affect the Windows install. Although, this is not a problem that cannot be fixed.
Once you can pay rapt attention to the insights we have provided, you should not have any issues. Your CPU upgrade will be smooth and won’t interfere with your windows install.
