Windows 10: How can I reactivate Windows after hardware change with pre-upgrade product key?

Hi, so I had Windows 7 pro which I upgraded to Windows 10 during the free upgrade period. I had some issues which meant my only option was to reinstall Windows. I also have a newer laptop that I've put my hard drive in. I did a clean install of Windows 10 from a disk I previously created and it is activated but it's not using the pro key and when I try to change the product key it says it didn't work, apparently it is invalid. I understand the free upgrade window has closed now but is there a way I can use this product key as it is a reinstallation or will I have to buy another pro key?

:)

 

Product Key Reactivation

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Reactivating Windows 11 after retrieving the motherboard key involves using the original product key or digital license associated with your system.

Here are the steps to reactivate Windows 11:

1. Open Settings:
   
   • Click on the Start button and select the gear icon to open "Settings."
     
2. Navigate to Update & Security:
   
   • In the Settings menu, click on "Update & Security."
     
3. Go to Activation:
   
   • In the left sidebar, select "Activation."
     
4. Enter Product Key:
   
   • If you have a product key, click on "Change product key" and enter the key when prompted.
     
5. Use Digital License:
   
   • If your Windows 11 was linked to your Microsoft account, you might see an option to troubleshoot and link your digital license. Click on this option and follow the prompts.
     
6. Restart Your Computer:
   
   • After entering the product key or linking your digital license, restart your computer.
     
7. Verification:
   
   • Go back to the Activation section in Settings to verify that Windows 11 is now activated.
     

 

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

 

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.