dalchina said:
Granted we have limited evidence in threads on tenforums. Everything so far shows that digital rights acquired by upgrade from Win 7/8.1 are readily lost with hardware change.

But who knows? Someone may still be lucky.
@Bree- any thoughts?
In the past, if you had a Microsoft Account sign in on the old machine, then you could transfer a digital licence to new hardware. Some reports said that just signing in with your MS account was sufficient, if not the Activation Troubleshooter should activate the new hardware.

Microsoft said:
You’ll need to first add your Microsoft account and link your account to the digital license on your device. After linking your Microsoft account, run the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows 10.

This troubleshooter will only be available if your copy of Windows 10 (version 1607 or later) isn’t activated.
To use the Activation troubleshooter:

  1. Sign in as an administrator. For more info, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.
  2. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot. The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on your device. Open Activation settings
  3. Select [B]I changed hardware on this device recently, then select Next.
  4. Enter your connected Microsoft account and password, then select Sign in. The troubleshooter will only work with the connected Microsoft account.
  5. From the list of devices that are linked to your Microsoft account, select the check box next to This is the device I’m using right now.
  6. Select Activate.

If you don’t see the device you’re using in the list of results, make sure that you signed in using the same Microsoft account you associated with the Windows 10 digital license on your device.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...EBD=Windows_10

This has worked in the past, I have used it myself once.

However, after Microsoft turned off the free activation from Windows 7/8 there are reports that this has also broken the activation troubleshooter. This may not just affect digital licences from W7/8 upgrades, I have seen some reports from users with retail Windows 10 for whom the activation troubleshooter doesn't work now.

The Verge said:
Microsoft is investigating Windows activation issues that appear to be linked to the company’s recent move to block Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys from activating copies of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Microsoft investigating Windows activation issues after closing a key loophole - The Verge