Windows 10: I'm unable to activate Windows after changing my motherboard

I recently had to change my motherboard after receiving one with faulty SATA ports, so this is my second time changing my motherboard this month, and therefore my second time activating Windows. I had found my old key for activating it, and it worked fine the first time I changed my motherboard, but when I went to use that same key again, it did not work. All other hardware has remained the same. The message I get after putting the key in is "We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key,

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Activate Windows 10 after motherboard change

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I built the PC myself and it is\was a retail Windows 8 Pro license upgraded to 10.

The guide listed that I should be able to transfer the license, and following the steps given when selecting "I recently changed hardware" in the activation process it does not list my previous device to select from.

My Microsoft account is logged in on both my old and new motherboard, and my old motherboard is unable to boot at all to deactivate or retrieve any keys.

If my license is indeed available for transfer, how can I proceed from here?

Thanks.

 

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