Windows 10: I cannot re-activate my Windows 10 after hardware change

Discus and support I cannot re-activate my Windows 10 after hardware change in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; Recently, I bought a new PC an tried to transfer my Microsoft digital license to it using troubleshooter. Yes, my digital license is RETAIL because I... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by TymurChornyy, Nov 14, 2023.

  1. I cannot re-activate my Windows 10 after hardware change


    Recently, I bought a new PC an tried to transfer my Microsoft digital license to it using troubleshooter. Yes, my digital license is RETAIL because I ordered it in retail shop 3 years ago + I checked the license via ShowKeyPlus and it says that it is a RETAIL version.The matter of fact is that troubleshooter doesn't see my new device in the list though it presents in my Microsoft accc devices.I tried playing with CMD manually deleting product key from old PC but when I try to enter in via CMD on new PC it says that Microsoft didn't find this product key.Any thoughts here? I am dispatched.

    :)
     
    TymurChornyy, Nov 14, 2023
    #1
  2. Nikhar_K Win User

    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
     
    Nikhar_K, Nov 14, 2023
    #2
  3. Activation problems after hardware changes and reinstallations.

    Hi Meli,

    Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

    I do appreciate your efforts and time.

    Was Windows 10 activated before re-installing it?

    Along with the suggestions provided by Greg, you can also refer the steps below.



    The only hardware changes that can negatively impact activation status once you upgrade to free version are the changes to the:

    • CPU
    • TPM
    • Motherboard replacement
    The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will NOT impact the activation status:

    • HDD/SSD
    • Video card
    • Adding extra memory
    If you replace the CPU, TPM, or Motherboard you may have to re-activate but this will not require a purchase of Windows 10.

    Why can't I activate Windows 10?:

    Why can't I activate Windows? - Microsoft Support

    Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

    Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

    Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

    Redirecting

    Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.
     
    Kalpana Shankarappa, Nov 14, 2023
    #3
  4. HAT
    hat Win User

    I cannot re-activate my Windows 10 after hardware change

    windows activation—hardware changed siginficantly

    From time to time on my thoroughbred PC, I get a Windows activation message that says my hardware changed siginificantly and I have to re-activate Windows. My hardware hasn't changed any more than a network card (went from a wireless g card to onboard lan to a wired network card), and the install is legit. Why is it doing this, and how can I stop it?
     
Thema:

I cannot re-activate my Windows 10 after hardware change

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