Windows 10: Activating after hardware change

Hi There.

Yesterday, I decided to upgrade my hardware on my pc, I upgraded the following:

1. MotherBoard

2. CPU and cooler

3. RAM

4. Case and power supply.

Although my upgrade runs beutifully, I noticed that my copy of windows is now showing as "not activated". I went rhough all of the troubleshooters, they didnt work and eventually ended up ringing "customer support" to get some assistance.

Apparantly, because my copy of windows 10 was a digital upgrade from Windows 7, I need to give the product key for my windows 7 License in order to get this thing working properly again.

Unfortunatly, The original computer that I stuck the windows 7 code to, is loooong gone (5 case upgrades ago)..I thought I might have kept the key but am unable to find it. The lady in "customer support" said that my only option is to buy another copy of windows 10.


I feel that, although I did upgrade my pc, I do have a legal copy of Windows 10 on my PC, and shouldnt have to purchase another one....and aside from that fact, after spending a small fortune on my pc, I just dont have the spare money to do it.


So... long story short, If I was to put my Hard drive back with my old parts (a combination that HAS been activated), will it work to assign that activation to my microsoft account...and would that be enough to get my current build working with the new hardware? Or am I just in a position of having to save up for a month and pay Microsoft for the thing I already own again?

:)

 

Activation problems after hardware changes and reinstallations.

Hi Meli,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I do appreciate your efforts and time.

Was Windows 10 activated before re-installing it?

Along with the suggestions provided by Greg, you can also refer the steps below.



The only hardware changes that can negatively impact activation status once you upgrade to free version are the changes to the:

• CPU
• TPM
• Motherboard replacement

The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will NOT impact the activation status:

• HDD/SSD
• Video card
• Adding extra memory

If you replace the CPU, TPM, or Motherboard you may have to re-activate but this will not require a purchase of Windows 10.

Why can't I activate Windows 10?:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

 

Can't activate after hardware change

Hi Sullivan,

In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware
change later, such as replacing the motherboard. To assist you with your concern, we suggest that you follow the steps provided on this
link. The link contains all the necessary information on how to reactive Windows 10 after a hardware
change.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Do hardware changes affect my Windows 10 activation?

Hi Alejandro,



The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will
not impact the activation status:

• HDD/SSD
• Video card
• Adding extra memory

The only hardware changes that can negatively impact the activation status once you upgrade are changes to the:

• CPU
• TPM
• Motherboard replacement

Hope this information helps.