Windows 10: Cannot Activate Windows after Motherboard, CPU, and RAM Installation

Hello Microsoft Community. My problem has to do with the activation of Windows 10 after a hardware change. I installed the parts yesterday and when I tried to activate Windows post installation, it gave me the error message that starts with "unable to reach activation servers. . ." I thought the servers had a problem and stopped looking into it.


Today, after flashing my BIOS, I was able to get to the next stage of activation process. Now, I can login into my Microsoft account to select my new device and re-activate my digital license but it doesn't work. All I get is a an error that says "Windows cannot be activated." I don't know who to contact about this or if I can do something about it. I await your support.


Warm Regards,

Ray Forte

:)

 

Changed Motherboard CPU and Ram windows is now not activated


OP could try a phone activation of Win10 as a last resort since he changed the motherboard, processor & RAM, which is pretty close to doing an "overhaul" of an computer

what were the original (old) motherboard, original CPU and old RAM chips before this problem occured?
and what kind of new board, new CPU & new RAM sticks did OP use before trying to reactivate Win10?

I know replacing an old motherboard with a new board that uses a different chipset & RAM chips (lets say old board uses AMD CPU with DDR3 RAM sticks and new board uses Intel CPU but using DDR4 RAM sticks) is pretty much a very substantial change that will require re-activation.

 

Upgrading motherboard, RAM, and CPU after installing Windows 10. Problems?

Hi Clancy,

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.

 

I want to change my motherboard, cpu and ram.

Can i change my motherboard,cpu and ram without re-installing windows or loosing the license.

Currently i have Intel CPU and i want to change it to Ryzen cpu.