Windows 10: Forgot to link my Win10 to my account - Cannot re-activate my Windows after changing Hardware

Hello


I know this is an well known issue but I could not find an answer which solves my problem. Because I forgot to link the Windows10 key to my account when I first installed it all proposed solutions do not work. It seems there is no possibility to link the key now and I also deactived the key on the old hardware - nothing worked. When trying to activate Windows again with the new hardware the trouble shooting process did not give me any options either. What else could I do? Any other option except calling the support?

:)

 

Activating WIndows 10 after hardware change.

Before replacing my hardware on my main computer, I logged into my Microsoft Windows account. Once logged in, I saw that the name of the PC that I was upgrading was in my list of PCs that were activated for Windows 10 Pro. So after reviewing how to reactivate
after a HW changed, I went ahead and upgraded the motherboard, CPU and memory in that PC.

Now, when it is time to reactivate, the PC in question is still listed in the hardware list on my MS account but it will not allow me to activate Windows. I followed the instructions online and ran the troubleshooting tool. It then gave me the following
response:

Unable to activate Windows

We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the
Windows 10 digital license on this device or try again later.

See other devices linked to your Microsoft account

So why would it not find the license that was for this PC when it had the old hardware installed? My assumption, albeit may wrong, was that the PC was activated because it was in the list. It was also activated as a Windows 10 Pro edition.

Anyone have any suggestions on this type of issue?

 

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.

 

Activation troubles after hardware chnage

Here's what happened:

• Linked my Windows 10 Pro Licence to my Microsoft account.
• Switched out to a new motherboard, new install linked to my Microsoft account.
• Activation has failed, (Error Code: 0xC004C003) when I try to troubleshoot:
  • Press I recently changed hardware on this device
  • Select the old computer in my Microsoft account
  • Says unable to reactivate windows - try again later - and links to here:
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
  • I've been through it nothing is relevant or helps
• Have been trying for 3 days now - still not activated.

Anyone got any ideas or suggestions on what I can do?

Thanks