Windows 10: Is it possible to activate Windows after a hardware change without connecting a Microsoft...

I am running Windows 11 Pro. I am planning on changing CPU platforms among other hardware soon, so I will need to reinstall and reactivate Windows. My current Windows installation is activated with a digital license, with no Microsoft account connected. I do not want to connect a Microsoft account to my Windows installation. Is there a way for me to activate Windows without purchasing a new copy or connecting a Microsoft account?

:)

 

Activating Windows 11 after a hardware change

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you reactivate your Windows 11:

1. Check Activation Status:
   
   • Open Settings.
     
   • Go to System > Activation.
     
   • Ensure that your Windows is listed as activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
     
2. Link Microsoft Account:
   
   • If your Microsoft account is not linked, you need to link it first.
     
   • In Settings, go to Accounts and ensure your Microsoft account is linked to your Windows.
     
3. Run Activation Troubleshooter:
   
   • Go to Settings > System > Activation.
     
   • Click on Troubleshoot.
     
   • The troubleshooter will detect that Windows can't be activated on your device.
     
4. Select Hardware Change Option:
   
   • In the troubleshooter, select I changed hardware on this device recently.
     
5. Sign In to Microsoft Account:
   
   • Enter your Microsoft account credentials.
     
   • From the list of devices linked to your Microsoft account, select the checkbox next to This is the device I’m using right now.
     
   • If you don’t see your device, ensure you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
     
6. Activate Windows:
   
   • Click Activate.
     

If you encounter issues where the edition does not match, it is likely because the digital license linked to your account is for Windows 10 Home, and you are now running Windows 11 Home. This mismatch can sometimes cause activation issues.

• Edition Mismatch: If the troubleshooter indicates an edition mismatch, ensure that you are using the same edition of Windows that was originally linked to your digital license. In your case, both should be Home editions, so this should not be an issue.
  
• Correct Microsoft Account: Double-check that you are using the same Microsoft account that was linked to your digital license.
  

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or 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

 

Activation after reinstall with major hardware change not possible

Hi,

I did a major hardware change on my desktop pc (Motherboard, Ram, CPU, SSD). During this I did also do a clean install of Win 10 Pro.

As many Internet Sites suggested I did an slmgr /upk on my old installation before the reinstallation.

I did enter my product key during the installation. But now it is not possible to activate my windows installation.

In the activation troubleshooter when I click "I did change hardware" only my old installation is listed (different hostname). I am using the same microsoft account for login as on the old installation.

Due to my work times its hard to get in touch with the phone support during bussiness hours.

I hope you can help me.

Alexander Rabenstein