Windows 10: Re-activate windows 10 after hardware change

Discus and support Re-activate windows 10 after hardware change in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; I just changed motherboard+cpu of my desktop so my windows needs a re-activation. Here's the problem. When I first used the troubleshoot, it said... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by Weier9347, Jan 4, 2020.

  1. Weier9347 Win User

    Re-activate windows 10 after hardware change


    I just changed motherboard+cpu of my desktop so my windows needs a re-activation. Here's the problem.


    When I first used the troubleshoot, it said something like 'couldn't connect to server, try later blabla'


    Then I thought maybe I have to try something I else, so I removed the old device from my microsoft account, and thought maybe log in on the new hardware could simply take the place of the old one. Apparently it didn't work that way, so I still got the 'Activate Windows' watermark...


    Then I run the troubleshoot again, this time it connected, but since I have removed the old device from my account, the troubleshoot says there's no matching system on my account.


    Is there a way to fix my situation??


    Thank you!!!!

    :)
     
    Weier9347, Jan 4, 2020
    #1
  2. HAT
    hat Win User

    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?
     
  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, Jan 4, 2020
    #3
  4. Re-activate windows 10 after hardware change

    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?:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

    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, Jan 4, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Re-activate windows 10 after hardware change

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