Windows 10: I cannot reactivate windows 11 after changing my motherboard.

Discus and support I cannot reactivate windows 11 after changing my motherboard. in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; I have a PC which I originally built in the days of windows 7 I think. I bought Windows at the time, obviously. Eventually I converted it to a media PC... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by DavidGVale, Jul 2, 2025 at 5:13 AM.

  1. I cannot reactivate windows 11 after changing my motherboard.


    I have a PC which I originally built in the days of windows 7 I think. I bought Windows at the time, obviously. Eventually I converted it to a media PC and upgraded free to Win 10.I recently upgraded to Win 11, buying a new motherboard and CPU. With a great deal of difficulty and extensive support from MS we got Win 11 working and I believe MS also activated it for me. However, after a couple of weeks of system instability I decided that the new motherboard was faulty and replaced it. The direct replacement works fine but I am unable to activate Windows.I have submitted service requests f

    :)
     

  2. win 10 motherboard change, reactivating windows

    Hi Famie,

    If you are planning to change your motherboard, you will still be able to activate your Windows 10. In Windows 10 version 1607, there is a feature that you can link your Microsoft account to 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.

    That being said, we suggest that you follow the steps given on this article
    to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

    Let us know if you need further assistance.

    If you think this was useful, do not hesitate to "mark it as an answer" to help those are facing the same problem.
     
    Janeane Cru, Jul 2, 2025 at 5:26 AM
    #2
  3. Nikhar_K Win User
    Unable to reactivate Windows after changing Motherboard

    Hi,



    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



    I understand that after changing the Motherboard you are unable to activate Windows. I’ll help you with the issue.



    However, please let us know:



    • What is the error message you receive when you try to activate Windows?
    • Did Windows 10 come preinstalled on your computer?
    • Were you using a Microsoft account to login to the computer?


    Ideally, if Windows 10 comes preinstalled on the computer, the Product key is embedded in the Motherboard. In case Windows is reinstalled on the computer, it should get activated automatically. However, if any hardware changes (such as Motherboard
    or hard drive) is done on the computer, Windows will not be able to identify the license.



    You may want to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article

    Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
    .



    If you are receiving an error code, you may want to check the troubleshooting steps as per the error code mentioned in the article

    Get help with Windows activation errors
    .



    If you still face issues, do not worry, you can get in touch with our Activation team and they will help you with the issue. Please refer the article

    Global Customer Service phone numbers
    to get the Customer support number as per your country.



    Regards,

    Nikhar Khare

    Microsoft Community - Moderator
     
  4. JayDDD Win User

    I cannot reactivate windows 11 after changing my motherboard.

    Changed motherboard, can't reactivate Windows 11

    I recently changed my motherboard and want to reactivate Windows 11. When I click "troubleshoot" in "Activation", it says "troubleshooting has completed. We can't activate your copy of Windows. Make sure you're connected to the internet and try again.."

    The internet is connected, but somehow it keeps showing me this error.

    Help!
     
Thema:

I cannot reactivate windows 11 after changing my motherboard.

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