Windows 10: Changed motherboard, can't activate Windows now

I just bought a brand new copy of Windows 10 Home from the Windows Microsoft Store last week. Today I had to swap my motherboard and now my copy of Windows is no longer activated, despite being logged into my Microsoft account. I went to the activation screen>troubleshoot>"I changed hardware on this device recently" and it loads but then says "Unable to activate Windows" and something about the servers being down. I've been trying for hours now.


My only other option is to call support but the last time I did that I got connected with an Indian fellow who asked me for some product ID that was like 75 characters long and when I tried to relay it to him he had a hard time keeping up. I really don't want to have to mess with such a long string of numbers over the phone.


I really find it ridiculous and very disappointing that even after buying Windows directly from Microsoft they still can't allow me to transfer my license when I need to. I was really hoping I wouldn't have to jump through these hoops by buying directly from them. Not happy with my purchase.


Is there any other way to fix this without calling?

:)

 

Activate Windows 10 after motherboard change

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I built the PC myself and it is\was a retail Windows 8 Pro license upgraded to 10.

The guide listed that I should be able to transfer the license, and following the steps given when selecting "I recently changed hardware" in the activation process it does not list my previous device to select from.

My Microsoft account is logged in on both my old and new motherboard, and my old motherboard is unable to boot at all to deactivate or retrieve any keys.

If my license is indeed available for transfer, how can I proceed from here?

Thanks.

 

Windows 10 License (after motherboard change)

Hi Harsh,

Please be informed that your copy of Windows 10 should get activated automatically after changing the motherboard (once you enter the linked Microsoft Account details). But if you face any issues,
I suggest you to go through Phone activation to activate your Windows 10 copy.



To run Phone activation please follow the steps below:

• 
  Press Windows + R key.
  
• 
  Type slui 4 and hit enter.
  
• 
  Select the Country or
  Region.
  
• 
  Follow the on screen instructions.
  

Hope this helps. Please respond if you have any further related query.



Thank you.

 

windows activation after motherboard changed.

Hi Raed,

To reactivate your Windows 10 after changing your motherboard, we suggest that you check this
article, and follow the Activation troubleshooter steps/instructions to resolve it.

Another possible resolution, you may refer to this thread, and look for
Andre Da Costa's post.

We would appreciate it if you could get back to us and provide us your feedback.

If you think this was useful, feel free to "mark it as an answer" to help those who are facing the same problem.