Windows 10: Can not re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change

Discus and support Can not re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; Hey,I originally purchased Windows 8 Pro license which got upgraded for free to Windows 10 and then from then I had been using it on the same machine.... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by random.seed, May 21, 2025 at 8:02 AM.

  1. Can not re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change


    Hey,I originally purchased Windows 8 Pro license which got upgraded for free to Windows 10 and then from then I had been using it on the same machine. I recently moved to a new hardware and installed Windows 10 Pro and tried to add the product key, but it shows the following error.Error:"We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0x803FA067"Steps I have tried:The old machine still had my Windows 10 activated so I removed the license key from the o

    :)
     
  2. Nikhar_K Win User

    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
     
  3. 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?:

    Why can't I activate Windows? - Microsoft Support

    Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

    Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

    Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

    Redirecting

    Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.
     
    Kalpana Shankarappa, May 21, 2025 at 8:05 AM
    #3
  4. Smitty3PM Win User

    Can not re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change

    Windows 10 Activation after hardware change

    • "You upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, but Windows 10 isn't activated after a reinstall. Your copy of Windows 10 should automatically be activated so long as you didn't make any significant hardware changes to your device (such as replacing
      the hard drive or motherboard)."

    I just recently upgraded my motherboard, graphics card, and processor. Now my Windows 10 isnt activated anymore, and when i go through the steps to troubleshoot, it says the windows activation just says.



    Unable to activate Windows

    We can’t reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later.

    anyone have an answer to this please...
     
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Can not re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change

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