Windows 10: Hardware Change Reactivation

Hello All,


I know there are multiple threads out there for this already but I think this is different, so if y'all know of a place that has the answer, then my apologies...


Anyway, I just change out some hardware and when I booted up I got hit with the little watermark in the lower right of the screen that says to activate windows. No drama, went to the troubleshooter and selected the option for changed hardware. That put me at a point that had a grey box with my PC's name, the version, "To be filled by O.E.M.," and a checkbox saying "This is the device I'm using right now." I checked the box and hit activate, and got sent straight to a page that said "Unable to activate windows. we cant reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later."


One of the other threads said that Tech support will just reactivate for you if they can see that you have a digital copy tied to your account. I don't know if I just got a jerk employee, but the guy I called said I have to have a product key or other proof of purchase for Windows 7 (I had been part of the upgrade wave from 7 to 10). I haven't had any proof of purchase for years; I've had this computer for nearly ten years now. I asked the guy if he could just check to see that there was a license attached to my microsoft account and he just completely disregarded me and repeated his cute little speech about my needing proof of purchase until I hung up on him.


Did I say something wrong? What do I do? I sure as hell don't want to cough up the money for an activation I already have.

:)

 

Windows 10 reactivation on hardware changes

Hi Florea,

It is possible that Windows won't be able to identify your computer correctly that is why the operating system is not activated. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps in this
article on how to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

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.