Windows 10: Can't activate after hardware change - Error 0x004F213

My copy of windows was a free upgrade version from Windows 7, which based on my research meant that I could transfer the digital license over.The license was linked to my Microsoft Account.


I recently replaced my motherboard, CPU and RAM, but swapped my Windows 10 drive over to the new PC. Before swapping Iuninstalled the product key in the command line using "slmgr.vbs /upk", then installed the drive into the new PC.


Driver problems forced me to reset my Windows 10, after which it would no let me reactivate the license, and currently it shows me Error code 0x004F213 no product key found.


I booted up the troubleshooter, but it could not locate any previous windows installation not even the old mother board, even after I selected "recent change hardware" option.


I contacted support via Phone but support could not locate any Windows 10 license on my microsoft account. The agent said that upgrades from Windows 7 are not eligiblefor license transfer, which contradicts the other information I read, so I am not sure who is right.


I still have a screenshot of my installation ID, though. Can I use that to have my license reactivated, ordo I have to purchase a new copy of Windows 10?

:)

 

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

 

Windows 10 will not activate Error code 0x803F7001

thanks
I activated my Windows 10 from product key Windows 7