Windows 10: Unable to Activate Windows After a Hardware Change

Discus and support Unable to Activate Windows After a Hardware Change in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; Hello,I just reinstalled Windows to a new M.2 NVME SSD. I originally had it installed on a regular SSD. I signed into Windows using a Microsoft account... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by pyromaniac182, Nov 27, 2021.

  1. Unable to Activate Windows After a Hardware Change


    Hello,I just reinstalled Windows to a new M.2 NVME SSD. I originally had it installed on a regular SSD. I signed into Windows using a Microsoft account after the installation to the new M.2 just fine. Windows showed that it was activated. Then I wanted to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. At first it had an error but then the installation went through. Then I restarted it and it said it was adding features which I assume to be Pro features. After the update I log in and it says that Windows isn't activated. I have scoured the forums and done research.I removed the pc from my microsoft account

    :)
     
    pyromaniac182, Nov 27, 2021
    #1
  2. Nikhar_K Win User

    Unable to activate Windows after hardware change

    Hi,

    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

    Usually the error code 0xC004F213 comes when there is a hardware change done on the computer (like Motherboard or Hard drive). The Windows license is associated with the device hardware. If there is any significant hardware changes, such as replacing
    motherboard or hard drive, Windows won’t be able to recognize the license.

    I suggest you to try the troubleshooting steps from the article
    Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
    and see if Windows gets activated.

    If you are using an OEM computer that came with Windows 7, and the motherboard has not been changed, then you can follow the steps to retrieve the product key that came with your OEM computer. To retrieve the product key follow the steps mentioned
    below:

    1. Type Command prompt in the search bar, that is on the taskbar.
    2. Right click on Command prompt icon and select Run as administrator.
    3. Type the command and press on Enter: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
    4. You will find the product key.

    Hope it helps.

    Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

    Nikhar Khare

    Microsoft Community - Moderator
     
    Nikhar_K, Nov 27, 2021
    #2
  3. Epsynus Win User
    Unable to activate windows after a hardware change

    Hello.

    I changed my hardware today and when I logged back into windows it was unable to activate windows.

    I got my license key tied to my Microsoft account so what I did was this:

    1. Went into activation in settings.

    2. Hit "Troubleshoot".

    3. "I changed hardware on this device recently".

    4. It comes up with my current PC and my old PC.

    5. I hit "This is the device I'm currently using right now and Activate.

    6. "Unable to activate Windows, we can't activate reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later."

    So I am stuck, please advise what my next step should be.
     
    Epsynus, Nov 27, 2021
    #3
  4. HAT
    hat Win User

    Unable to Activate Windows After a Hardware Change

    windows activation—hardware changed siginficantly

    From time to time on my thoroughbred PC, I get a Windows activation message that says my hardware changed siginificantly and I have to re-activate Windows. My hardware hasn't changed any more than a network card (went from a wireless g card to onboard lan to a wired network card), and the install is legit. Why is it doing this, and how can I stop it?
     
Thema:

Unable to Activate Windows After a Hardware Change

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