Windows 10 Pro Re-activation problems
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Windows 10 Pro Re-activation problems
I recently changed motherboards on my Win 10 PC. I had set up a Microsoft account, which was working prior to changing any hardware. I am attempting to reactivate Win 10 under Settings / Activation / Troubleshoot, however, I seem to be getting an error.
I get an option to to click
"I changed hardware on this device recently". The first time I did this I was able to enter my MS account info, however, the screen turned white and I had no other option. Upon trying it (even after a restart) I am getting the same error, except I can not even enter my MS account password anymore.
This copy of Win 10 Pro was an upgrade (clean install) from Win 7. Any advice appreciated!
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I've had problems too - I wonder if servers are playing up?
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Swapped and rebooted. This worked for me in the past, but that ways always with Win 7. A family member did the same a days prior with Win 10 and it worked though. Same type of license (8.1 upgraded to 10, Microsoft account).
Not looking to do a clean install at the moment.
Because this was an upgrade (I inputted an 8.1 key last year when I got Win 10), can I type in my old Win 8.1 serial key?
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How to Use Your Free Windows 10 License After Changing Your PC’s Hardware
But, if you’ve changed the motherboard or just a lot of other components, Windows 10 may see your computer as a new PC and may not automatically activate itself. Head to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and you’ll see a “Troubleshoot” option if activation failed. Click that option and sign in with the Microsoft account you associated your license with. You’ll be able to tell Windows that you “changed hardware on this device recently” and select your PC from a list of devices associated with your Microsoft account. Microsoft’s
documentation now explains exactly how this works.
Will Upgrading Motherboard After Upgrading To Windows 10 Make Me Lose - Microsoft Community
- detail of each different license type and implications
There are some here who have experience of this- and other threads on this topic. I expect someone who's been through this personally will be able to comment further.
Was your original license retail or OEM?
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8.1 Pro, OEM to upgraded Win 10. Tied to an MS account.
My understanding (per some responses on this forum) that this should allow for changing of hardware. I also know others who just did the same thing without issue.
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Second link says:
OEM :
OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
- is your MBO identical?
N.B. it is possible, of course, that has been superceded. Others may know. You'll probably get more responses tomorrow.
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On the basis of what I found above, it's not allowed. I would hope for sthg better than a blank though!
Meanwhile you can try contacting your regional activation centre. And as said previously by cereberus, there may be an issue contacting the activation servers.
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Because this was an upgrade (I inputted an 8.1 key last year when I got Win 10), can I type in my old Win 8.1 serial key?
Why not just try it?
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