Windows 10: Problem with re-activating windows 10 after significant hardware changes

Discus and support Problem with re-activating windows 10 after significant hardware changes in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; I made some hardware changes a while ago and my Windows 10 was deactivated. It came with my PC when I bought it and nothing I've done has been able to... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by ViaV, Aug 29, 2021.

  1. ViaV Win User

    Problem with re-activating windows 10 after significant hardware changes


    I made some hardware changes a while ago and my Windows 10 was deactivated. It came with my PC when I bought it and nothing I've done has been able to re-active it, including the troubleshoot. It shows me the last digits of the key but I don't have the rest of it.

    :)
     
  2. Smitty3PM Win User

    Windows 10 Activation after hardware change

    • "You upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, but Windows 10 isn't activated after a reinstall. Your copy of Windows 10 should automatically be activated so long as you didn't make any significant hardware changes to your device (such as replacing
      the hard drive or motherboard)."

    I just recently upgraded my motherboard, graphics card, and processor. Now my Windows 10 isnt activated anymore, and when i go through the steps to troubleshoot, it says the windows activation just says.



    Unable to activate Windows

    We can’t reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later.

    anyone have an answer to this please...
     
    Smitty3PM, Aug 29, 2021
    #2
  3. 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, Aug 29, 2021
    #3
  4. Problem with re-activating windows 10 after significant hardware changes

    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?

    Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10

    Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

    Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

    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, Aug 29, 2021
    #4
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Problem with re-activating windows 10 after significant hardware changes

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