Windows 10: Changed motherboard, unsure if I can reactivate Windows 10

Discus and support Changed motherboard, unsure if I can reactivate Windows 10 in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; I recently replaced the Motherboard in my computer. Shortly after getting things back set up, I started getting messages prompting me to reactivate... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by Heaunohj{2, Oct 18, 2019.

  1. Changed motherboard, unsure if I can reactivate Windows 10


    I recently replaced the Motherboard in my computer. Shortly after getting things back set up, I started getting messages prompting me to reactivate Windows 10 and have an "Activate Windows" message permanently in the lower right of my screen. I looked up this page and followed the directions:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-changea


    When I got to the list of devices to reactivate, the only one listed is a laptop. My desktop isn't listed at all. There's also this message:

    "If you're not seeing your current device, make sure you're signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on this device."

    My computer is custom built and my copy of Windows 10 is OEM. From what I can tell, that means I can no longer reactivate Windows 10. Is this the case? Would I have to purchase a new license to continue using a valid copy of Windows?


    And to clarify, I am logged in as admin.

    :)
     
    Heaunohj{2, Oct 18, 2019
    #1

  2. win 10 motherboard change, reactivating windows

    Hi Famie,

    If you are planning to change your motherboard, you will still be able to activate your Windows 10. In Windows 10 version 1607, there is a feature that you can link your Microsoft account to Windows 10 digital license on your device.
    This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard.

    That being said, we suggest that you follow the steps given on this article
    to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

    Let us know if you need further assistance.

    If you think this was useful, do not hesitate to "mark it as an answer" to help those are facing the same problem.
     
    Janeane Cru, Oct 18, 2019
    #2
  3. Motherboard change unable to reactivate Windows 10 Pro -


    I have searched this topic and everything seems to be almost a year old. This is a homebuilt machine circa 2015. It started with an ASUS FM2+ motherboard with an AMD A5600K processor. It was Windows 7 Pro, upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro then to Windows 10 Pro.
    Saturday the motherboard died. An exact replacement could not be located so a Gigabyte card was installed. No changes to the hard drives. Booted the machine and Windows automatically started and then did a "revert" then installed the latest updates. C Drive was in the red so I deleted all of the old install files using Windows Clean-up. Went to reactivate, checked the significant hardware change and entered my MS account information - The computer (none of my computers) were listed and now it is telling me that I have to spend $200 to buy a copy of Windows 10 Pro.
    Have not yet called Customer Support as the computer is at home and I work during the day -
    I do have a disk image or two that may be a year old -

    Suggestions - should I just shell out the $200 and move on

    TIA
     
    Mickey53usa, Oct 18, 2019
    #3
  4. cereberus Win User

    Changed motherboard, unsure if I can reactivate Windows 10

    Motherboard change unable to reactivate Windows 10 Pro -


    Activate using windows 7 pro key.
     
    cereberus, Oct 18, 2019
    #4
Thema:

Changed motherboard, unsure if I can reactivate Windows 10

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