Windows refresh fails, after clean install no activation.

I was refreshing Windows 10 to fix some issues with the store, when after at least 90% completion, the PC looped into restarting again and again.

Eventually, I installed windows 10 from a USB, and now i've lost my upgrade, and Microsoft views it as two PC's. In addition to this, clicking the change key option, simply freezes the settings app, meaning that even if i had a new windows 10 key, I couldn't even enter it.

Is there a way to move the license from the non-existent first PC to the actual real current incarnation, I don't have 190 pounds to throw away like this.

Your First installation of Windows 10 on that PC was as an upgrade - correct ??

You should then be able to perform a Clean Installation and Windows 10 will activate..

When Re-installing Windows 10 just "SKIP" when asked for product keys..

Also be sure the use the same edition of OS - Home or Pro

Re-installing the wrong edition will result in activation error

Kyhi said:

When Re-installing Windows 10 just "SKIP" when asked for product keys..

So if when I installed i entered what i thought was they key (turns out it was a placeholder key) and that was incorrect, that means the pc isn't activated?

if i reinstalled again, over the unactivated but don't enter my key, i'm assuming this will still remain unactivated?

As i've already made the mistake, can i rectify it?

sorry kyhi, i can't respond to PM's without 5 posts first.

that key is the one i kept from my registry when i originally installed windows 10.

I entered that during the re-install and it was invaild apparently

some have had to wait for re-activation - but if you upgraded from and reinstall the same edition
activation should not be an issue - as your PC has already been recorded with MS

Kyhi said:

some have had to wait for re-activation - but if you upgraded from and reinstall the same edition
activation should not be an issue - as your PC has already been recorded with MS

on my microsoft account it shows 2 PC's, so i'm not sure if this is because I swapped GPU's the other day. I thought it was determined by your motherboard/HDD

Hardware Change = Different PC

Phone activation is required

How do i do that, there isn't an option on the activation page. Do i just call their UK support?

Also do would need some proof of identity?

disconnect from the internet - then select Activate
should pull Phone Activation

Usually talk to Robot - answer is = 1 PC