Windows 10: Changing windows 10 license after hardware change

Hello,


So, yesterday I changed my motherboard in the same computer, and so after installing Windows 10, I went to "Troubleshoot windows 10 license" --> "Device hardware change" and thats where it told me that I could activate it again from my old computer. I was surprised that this option was available, but now, today, I re-opened my computer and it keeps telling me to activate it.


If I go to "Devices" on my browser with my microsoft account, it shows me 2 devices: The one with my old motherboard and the new one. In the old one it shows my windows 10 license which is activated. I'd like to delete the old device and transfer it to my new device, is this possible?


Do I need to contact the microsoft live chat? I've been trying to contact them but I cant seem to reach anyone after waiting about 30 minutes.

:)

 

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

 

Can't activate after hardware change

Hi Sullivan,

In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the 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. To assist you with your concern, we suggest that you follow the steps provided on this
link. The link contains all the necessary information on how to reactive Windows 10 after a hardware
change.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

windows 10 reactivation after hardware change

I just changed motherboards, and When I follow the the steps listed in the "reactivate windows 10 after hardware change" support page, it gives me the message "unable to activate windows" message after I sign in and identify my device,
with no error code, just a subheader that says "can't activate windows 10 on this device, try again later."