Windows 10: Re-activate Windows 10 after hardware change - stand alone copy of windows.

Hi, my motherboard failed and I have swapped it out for a new one with new CPU. I have installed windows 10 Pro and used the license key I have for the stand alone copy of Windows that I purchased earlier this year. The new install tells me that windows can't be activated as it is already in use on another machine. Well yes it was but that machine broke. When following the activation troubleshooter I am advised to link my account to my license in preparation for hardware changes. That would be great except the old machine broke. Yes you will see I am in an endless loop with no way out. How can I activate the new windows 10 install using the product key I have? Thanks for any assistance.

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windows activation—hardware changed siginficantly

From time to time on my thoroughbred PC, I get a Windows activation message that says my hardware changed siginificantly and I have to re-activate Windows. My hardware hasn't changed any more than a network card (went from a wireless g card to onboard lan to a wired network card), and the install is legit. Why is it doing this, and how can I stop it?

 

Windows 10 Hardware change

No. That only applies to an OEM key. IF you had a retail key that you upgraded, you are more than welcome to transfer this key to another device, just as you would have been able to before the upgrade. The default for retail keys is three activations before you need to call in and get help with activation. Previously, it was required that you install your retail OS first and then upgrade, but the most recent build of Win10 removes that requirement and allows direct installation of Windows10 using your retail Win7/8/8.1 key.

 

Windows 10 Activation (Insider)

This kinda sucks. However, if one is upgrading from a retail W7/8, then it should activate on different hardware, with possible phone activation required if it's been over 120 days or whatever the timeout period is now since the last activation. Remember to erase the copy on the old hardware, of course.