Upgraded for free from 8.1 to 10. Reactivation after hardware change


  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
       #1

    Upgraded for free from 8.1 to 10. Reactivation after hardware change


    I had a Windows 8.1 license, which I upgraded into Windows 10 when Microsoft was providing the possibility. However, I'd like to do a hardware update soon (motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM. SSD drives will remain the same). Will I be able to re-activate my Windows 10 license?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,660
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    sauronnikko said:
    I'd like to do a hardware update soon (motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM. SSD drives will remain the same).
    What hardware are you changing then? Some changes, such as a hard drive, don't count as a significant change and Windows should activate automatically. If not, see this tutorial...

    After you add your Microsoft account and link it to your digital license, you can use the Activation troubleshooter to help reactivate Windows after a hardware change.
    Use Activation Troubleshooter in Windows 10
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 197
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB N 1607 x64
       #3

    It's well known that changing out hardware components can trigger a reactivation prompt. In Windows 8 and higher, OEM product keys are stored in a protected region of the BIOS firmware, instead of on a sticker on the PC. Hopefully 10 will see that key and reactivate fine.

    Extract product key from BIOS:
    https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-t...8-product-key/

    I used RW-Everything for this, only takes a minute or 2: The program has a portable version that doesnt need to be installed, so you can cleanly delete it when done. If you dont see a PK then it's safe to assume that there isnt one one embedded into your BIOS. But if what you have is an OEM PC manufactured by one of the OEMs, then it should almost certainly be there. If it's a custom build, then probably not.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    AnonVendetta said:
    It's well known that changing out hardware components can trigger a reactivation prompt. In Windows 8 and higher, OEM product keys are stored in a protected region of the BIOS firmware, instead of on a sticker on the PC. Hopefully 10 will see that key and reactivate fine.

    Extract product key from BIOS:
    https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-t...8-product-key/

    I used RW-Everything for this, only takes a minute or 2: The program has a portable version that doesnt need to be installed, so you can cleanly delete it when done. If you dont see a PK then it's safe to assume that there isnt one one embedded into your BIOS. But if what you have is an OEM PC manufactured by one of the OEMs, then it should almost certainly be there. If it's a custom build, then probably not.
    And as soon as the OP upgrades the motherboard that product key is gone.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       #5

    AnonVendetta said:
    It's well known that changing out hardware components can trigger a reactivation prompt. In Windows 8 and higher, OEM product keys are stored in a protected region of the BIOS firmware, instead of on a sticker on the PC. Hopefully 10 will see that key and reactivate fine.

    Extract product key from BIOS:
    https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-t...8-product-key/

    I used RW-Everything for this, only takes a minute or 2: The program has a portable version that doesnt need to be installed, so you can cleanly delete it when done. If you dont see a PK then it's safe to assume that there isnt one one embedded into your BIOS. But if what you have is an OEM PC manufactured by one of the OEMs, then it should almost certainly be there. If it's a custom build, then probably not.
    None of this applies as OP is changing mobo.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 197
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB N 1607 x64
       #6

    Ah, somehow I missed the part about the mobo. If he were only changing out less important components then the PK would still be in the BIOS on that mobo. But since it seems he is changing out almost everything, he might as well build a new PC, LOL.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I'm changing everything minus the SSD... probably won't change everything all at once, though.

    I guess that, yes, I'm building a new PC. Given that I won't go back to my previous components, I'd like to know if I can reutilize my license.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1
    MAC
       #8

    I just replaced my motherboard and now my Windows 10 will not be activated and I am not sure how.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       #9

    bigmansq said:
    I just replaced my motherboard and now my Windows 10 will not be activated and I am not sure how.
    See post #2.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       #10

    sauronnikko said:
    I'm changing everything minus the SSD... probably won't change everything all at once, though.

    I guess that, yes, I'm building a new PC. Given that I won't go back to my previous components, I'd like to know if I can reutilize my license.
    see post#2
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 21:18.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums