Can I Use My Old Windows Drive in a New PC Build?

If your old PC was using BitLocker, make sure to back up your recovery keys, otherwise, you won't be able to access your data after the transfer. The keys are linked to the TPM of your old machine.

It really depends on the specs of both your old and new PCs. While a fresh Windows install is always recommended, sometimes you can get away with just moving the drive. But if you're switching between Intel and AMD or major generational upgrades, a clean install is a must. Regarding your concern about costs, reinstalling doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new license, it depends on your old copy's type. If it's an OEM version, it might be tied to your old hardware, meaning you'd still need to reactivate it even with the drive move.