Windows 10: problems with retail windows activation after hardware change, can't call or receive a call

hello, i have retail windows 11 home key, after changing my hardware i can't activate windows, after selecting “activate by phone” i get a phone number of another country, bot can't get the commands i select, i tried it from different mobile operators. Also I can't get a call back from Microsoft because my country's phone code is not in the list +996I also can't unlink old accounts, they don't show up in the “My Devices” tab in the web version of microsoft account, they only show up when I go there from my desktop. When I click “Remove Device” I get an error with the text traceID.

:)

 

Windows 8 Pro Retail => Windows 10 Pro (Free upgrade) Fails Activation after hardware change

Hi,

I bought 2 retail licenses (one for my desktop and one for my laptop) for Windows 8 several years ago and upgraded to Windows 10 (via the free upgrade). Recently I had to change some hardware (motherboard) and I get the following error code when trying to
activate Windows: 0xC004C003.

I have tried the following, all of which have failed.

1. Troubeshoot -> I recently changed hardware on this device (I can only see my Laptop License and not my desktop)
2. Provided the Installation ID (via phone helpdesk) on two occasions.

First help desk technician suggested I buy a new Windows License and the second suggested I reinstall and use Windows 8. Both suggestions from help desk are ridiculous.

How do I proceed without having to:

1. Pay for a license I should technically already have
2. Downgrade back to Windows 8 (loose time / data)

 

Cannot activate Windows 10 RETAIL copy after hardware change

Hello,

I have recently changed most of my hardware (motherboard and CPU included), and I can't activate my Windows 10 Retail license now. I have already tried all the steps indicated in the support section, when I run the Windows Update Troubleshooter I get a message
informing that the problems were found and fixed. In spite of this, I still get error code 0xC004C003 in the Activation section of the settings menu.

Thanks in advance

 

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? - Microsoft Support

Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

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Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.