Windows 10: Activating windows 10 after hardware change - version mismatch - how to install older...

Sorry if this has been asked before, could not find it.

I just finished installing new motherboard and cpu. Linked my license before that to my account. Created bootable USB from my old windows version 10.0.17134.376. Installed fresh windows from that same USB after the upgrade but the version was now up at 10.0.17763.134. There is no rollback option as it is a fresh install. I suspect that is the reason why the troubleshooter does not show my new PC name to transfer the license. I can see both the old and new PC names in my account. I can still boot into my old windows installation but it's license is no longer valid as it is running on the new hardware.

So questions:
a) is the version mismatch the reason why I can't transfer my license?
b) is there a way to downgrade to the older version (again - there is no go-back option in recovery)?

c) is there any other way to move my license from the old PC to the new PC?

Thanks in advance!

:)

 

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?

 

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.

 

Windows 10 Hardware change

not that easy, unfortunately. fresh install is NOT the way to go, until AFTER the swap. I have swapped boards on my oiverclocking test OS that I use for reviews many times now, and that license (a retail one), de-activated after two board swaps, and then with every board swap after that. All other hardware remained the same. I do fresh installs for benchmarks in reviews, and they have NEVER activated. media creation tool makes it so the dvd will automatically activate on the hardware it was created on, IF the windows it was created on was already activated.