Windows 10: Issues with Windows Activation After Recent Update and Hardware Changes / Lost my key

I am experiencing an issue with my Windows activation after the latest update. I previously had Windows installed by a service in Poland, but since then, I moved to the United States. I also recently changed the cooling device in my computer. After the update, I lost my Windows activation, and it is now prompting me for a product key, which I do not have.My Windows was activated with a digital license tied to my hardware, but I am unsure how to proceed without the product key. Could you please assist me in restoring my Windows activation under these circumstances?

:)

 

Changed hardware - lost activation key

Hello,

Hope someone can assist.

My computer suddenly stopped working after running a Windows update.

I had isolated the issue to a fried motherboard.

Got a new motherboard, cpu, memory etc.

Got everything up and running and now I have an issue with needing to activate Windows.

I ran the Activation Troubleshooter and went through the 'I recently changed my hardware' sequence.

The list of hardware shown in the list however is not the hardware I am currently running.

I am at a loss as to how I can reactivate Windows.

I had gotten Windows 10 when it was a free upgrade some years ago.

Thanks all

 

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

 

Why can't I transfer my activation key after hardware change?

I know this has been asked much, but I followed all methods suggested and nothing is working for me.
I changed my motherboard today and I lost my activation .
It shows "Windows reported that the hardware of your device has been changed." but troubleshooting does not fix it.
I'm on windows 11 pro, I tried selecting my current PC in the "I changed hardware recently" but it's not working.
I still have the activation key (Retail) and it's not working in the "Change product key" tab.
What am I doing wrong?