Windows 10: Reactivate Windows after reinstall - no hardware change

Discus and support Reactivate Windows after reinstall - no hardware change in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; I broke my Windows installation. I initially had 10 Home, installed from an official installation USB. At some point, I purchased a Pro licence from... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by CornelBorina, May 17, 2019.

  1. Reactivate Windows after reinstall - no hardware change


    I broke my Windows installation.

    I initially had 10 Home, installed from an official installation USB. At some point, I purchased a Pro licence from the store.

    Now after I broke my installation, I reinstalled using the same USB stick, which allows me to chose between Home and Pro. I chose Pro, knowing I had the licence.

    When it wouldn't activate, I removed the old device from my Microsoft account, thinking it would free up my licence, so I can use it in the new installation.

    I didn't think of clicking on "I recently changed hardware..." link after troubleshooting, before deleting the device, because I didn't actually change my hardware.


    Now there is no way I can think of to reactivate.

    Troubleshooting suggests I buy a licence.

    Clicking on "changed hardware", I am only presented with other devices.


    Is there any way I can recover my license? (I refuse to buy a new one)

    :)
     
    CornelBorina, May 17, 2019
    #1
  2. Rose Cal Win User

    Windows 10 reactivation on hardware changes

    Hi Florea,

    It is possible that Windows won't be able to identify your computer correctly that is why the operating system is not activated. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps in this
    article on how to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

    Let us know if you need further assistance.
     
    Rose Cal, May 17, 2019
    #2
  3. Boyfriend Win User
    Does Windows 7 require reactivation if...

    He is using AMD already. He wants downgrading to AM3. Don't know why??

    If you change HDD + RAM simultaneously, Windows 7 needs to be reactivated. Only HDD cloning shouldn't require reactivation. As you are changing mobo + HDD (prehaps RAM upgrade too), you will surely require reactivation. If you have genuine license, you should reinstall OS (you might use Windows Easy Transfer). If you don't want to reinstall, you need to uninstall HDD, interfaces/system devices, and numerous other drivers (USB, HID, Portable devices, etc.), else your OS will be unstable.
    I will highly recommend to reinstall Windows 7 and enjoy your migration.

    A simple trick might be like this to avoid reactivation:
    1. Clone your HDD first and boot into Windows
    2. Use it for at least one week
    3. Replace mobo only without any other hardware change/upgrade and boot
    4. Use it for at least one week
    5. Do any other upgrade (RAM, Graphic card etc.)

    Don't do two simultaneous downgrades/upgrades to avoid reactivation.
     
    Boyfriend, May 17, 2019
    #3
  4. kg4icg Win User

    Reactivate Windows after reinstall - no hardware change

    Does Windows 7 require reactivation if...

    Then why does it say fs/ft i7-920 in his tag and he wants to downgrade to am3 system? to go from a am2/2+ to am3 isn't a downgrade last time I checked
     
    kg4icg, May 17, 2019
    #4
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Reactivate Windows after reinstall - no hardware change

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