Windows 10: Activation problem after hardware change

Hello,


I recently change my motherboard. It is now broken and i cannot get the product key anymore.


I got my new PC and was expecting that after logging my account i can transfer my Windows 10 license to the new PC. Now it keeps saying that it needs product key which i cannot get anymore because the last hardware is broken.






I also tried to troubleshoot and click on the "i changed hardware on this device recently" and got this pop up





I have the recent case number, but when I was transferred to the technical team to assist me, the guy suddenly told me that he cant hear me and hung up immediately which is I do not think so because I was talking to 2 different people before him, i did not get the name .

:)

 

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.

 

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

 

Problem re-activating windows after hardware change

I recently changed my PC motherboard & cpu and i need to re-activate windows. Going through the steps in windows and using the troubleshooter > "I recently changed my hardware" > selecting my PC from list of devices, it never works. Error code 0xC004C003.
I bought a windows 10 OEM key and have seen generally you just need to call support to re-activate but none of the phone numbers they give me work (UK). Any advice or people I can contact is appreciated.

Thanks