Windows 10: Activation after a new motherboard install - troubleshooter does nothing

Hi,After fitting a shiny new motherboard into my wife's work PC which has Windows 10 Pro "RETAIL channel" according to slmgr.exe, I cannot get Windows to activate.I have tried the Activation troubleshooter which does nothing except throw up error code 0x80070520, saying "We can't activate Windows at the moment" every time. It also helpfully suggests coughing up £220 to buy Windows again. REALLY helpful.I then click on the button saying "Contact support to get help", which I duly do. This brings up a friendly-looking window saying "We're here to help". Except that it clearly isn't, because i

:)

 

Windows 10 infinite restart black screen


The tutorials provided are just a list of troubleshooting steps. Use only the steps which apply to you.

Since none of the troubleshooting steps here worked, I'd suggest you do a Clean install.

John

 

Installed New Motherboard can't Activate Windows

Hello,

As you've retail license, it usually have carry rights and should work on new motherboard without any issue.

Please run Activation Troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings app, navigate to Update & security > Activation.

2. Click on Troubleshoot link to launch Activation troubleshooter.

3. The troubleshooter will automatically detect the issue and fix it.

Let us know if issue still persists!

 

Windows saying not activated after motherboard upgrade

Hi,

I recently upgraded some PC parts (new motherboard, RAM, processor, video card) and ever since then I have a watermark in the bottom right of my display reading "Activate Windows - Go to Settings to activate Windows."

I took advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 back when they were allowing Windows 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10. I don't remember receiving an activation key during this upgrade.

I've read online that installing a new motherboard can occasionally cause issues with OS activation. How can I reactivate my Windows without having to purchase Windows 10.

Some things to note:

• This watermark was not there prior to installing the new motherboard
• As some places (and a Microsoft Tech Support member) suggested, typing the query "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" into CMD just returns with "OA3xOriginalProductKey". The Microsoft Support member seemed confused by this and said there was nothing further she could do.

Thanks!