Windows 10: Had to replace burned out mobo and lost OEM windows license

Discus and support Had to replace burned out mobo and lost OEM windows license in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Long story short:My mobo burned out.I purchased a replacement.I can't activate Windows because I apparently own an OEM version, not a retail... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by AustinHQ, Jun 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM.

  1. AUSTINHQ
    AustinHQ Win User

    Had to replace burned out mobo and lost OEM windows license


    Long story short:My mobo burned out.I purchased a replacement.I can't activate Windows because I apparently own an OEM version, not a retail version.I'm okay with purchasing a retail copy; however, I have already purchased a Windows 11 Pro Digital upgrade so no product key.If I purchase a Windows 11 Home edition which is cheaper than the Pro will the Pro upgrade carry over?If not, that means I need to purchase a new Windows Pro Retail Key for $200, which would bring my total cost to $300 for the Windows installation.

    :)
     
    AustinHQ, Jun 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM
    #1
  2. COLINKAVANAGH1
    ColinKavanagh1 Win User

    Migrating OEM Windows License to new Mobo

    Question is pretty self explanatory. Can I migrate a Windows 10 OEM license if I swap out my motherboard in my computer? I'm trying to upgrade my CPU and I need to upgrade my mobo to make it compatable.
     
    ColinKavanagh1, Jun 19, 2025 at 9:45 PM
    #2
  3. PONDERTHIS
    ponderthis Win User
    MS Won't Activate my OEM Win 10 License Due to Failed MOBO

    I've had 3 MOBOs fail over the last 12 months, all replaced by the reseller under warranty. Now MS won't activate my original OEM Win10 license, demanding instead that I buy another license. What can I do to keep my original OEM license?
     
    ponderthis, Jun 19, 2025 at 9:45 PM
    #3
  4. NUTTHAPONG VIVITHSURAKARN
    Nutthapong Vivithsurakarn Win User

    Had to replace burned out mobo and lost OEM windows license

    Remove OEM license and replace by Retail license

    I want to remove OEM license and replace by retail license. The reason is I'm a vendor who sells `Computer Desktop` and `Laptop` to customer. Those Computer Desktops and Laptops have OEM license but my customer just want retail license only for financial reason. So I need to remove OEM license then replace new retail license to Those devices. I tried to change license in menu "Change Product Key" but after changed I tried to check license by using "ShowKeyPlus" app in Microsoft store. it still show me OEM license and have no Retail license which I've just entered it.

    How can I remove OEM license and replace by Retail license in Windows 11?
     
    Nutthapong Vivithsurakarn, Jun 19, 2025 at 9:45 PM
    #4
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Had to replace burned out mobo and lost OEM windows license

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