Windows 10: Re-activating Windows after Hardware Change

Discus and support Re-activating Windows after Hardware Change in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; I have a genuine copy of Windows 10 Professional-forced upgrade from Genuine (and paid for) Windows 7 Professional. This was checked using slmgr /xpr.... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by Al Angst, Mar 22, 2019.

  1. Al Angst Win User

    Re-activating Windows after Hardware Change


    I have a genuine copy of Windows 10 Professional-forced upgrade from Genuine (and paid for) Windows 7 Professional. This was checked using slmgr /xpr. There is no product key but a digital license through a linked account. I have upgraded my hardware by replacing the motherboard, CPU, RAM and Graphics card and installing a M2.nVme drive. I then used Samsung’s utility to ‘clone’ the C: drive (120GB SSD with 98GB used) to the 500GB M2 drive. The original OCZ 120 GB SSD is still in the case but disconnected. That's my ‘back up’ if the M2 falters. The rest of the old hardware is in a box in a cupboard. Most of it is more than 10 years old so has little value now.

    I have used the Windows Activation Troubleshooter 'I changed Hardware on this device recently'. It has listed my system but when I select it and click 'Activate' I get 'Unable to Activate Windows. We can't activate windows on this device. Try again later.' I have tried several times over a period of hours but without success. Is this just in the hope that I will give up and pay again for something I already own? What can I do to re-activate my installation?

    Old system:

    Motherboard: Abit Fatality motherboard

    CPU: Intel Q6600 2.4Ghz quad core

    RAM: Strontium 4GB DDR2

    Graphics: Asus Radeon 6950

    Windows bootable Hard Drive: OCZ 120GB SSD

    Coolermaster Case and 850Watt Power Supply

    New System:

    Motherboard: Asrok Fatality x470 Gamers K4

    CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4GHz Hex core

    RAM: 16GB DDR4 (G Skill Trident Z RGB

    Graphics: Radeon RX580 (Asus Strix OC 8G)

    Windows Bootable Drive: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB M2.nVme SSD

    All mounted in the same Coolermaster case and 850 Watt Power Supply.

    :)
     
    Al Angst, Mar 22, 2019
    #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, Mar 22, 2019
    #3
  4. Re-activating Windows 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, Mar 22, 2019
    #4
Thema:

Re-activating Windows after Hardware Change

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