Windows 10: recently upgraded my motherboard and cant reactivate my Windows 10

I replaced my old motherboard for a newer one and came to find out I couldn't change the background because I needed to activate windows with the error message "0xC004C003". I've looked into it a bit but I already had a Microsoft account when I bought the prebuilt computer and HAD an activation key that I no longer have, I also upgraded from windows 8 to windows 10 on an old Samsung laptop. I was wondering if there's anyway I can reactivate windows 10 without having to buy it again?

:)

 

Windows saying not activated after motherboard upgrade


Hi,

I recently upgraded some PC parts (new motherboard, RAM, processor, video card) and ever since then I have a watermark in the bottom right of my display reading "Activate Windows - Go to Settings to activate Windows."

I took advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 back when they were allowing Windows 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10. I don't remember receiving an activation key during this upgrade.

I've read online that installing a new motherboard can occasionally cause issues with OS activation. How can I reactivate my Windows without having to purchase Windows 10.

Some things to note:

• This watermark was not there prior to installing the new motherboard
• As some places (and a Microsoft Tech Support member) suggested, typing the query "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" into CMD just returns with "OA3xOriginalProductKey". The Microsoft Support member seemed confused by this and said there was nothing further she could do.

Thanks!

 

Reactivating Windows 10 after motherboard has been changed

I recently upgraded by motherboard and now I can't get Windows 10 to reactivate. I've tried the troubleshoot steps, but I'm stuck where I need to connect my
Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license. I have access to my Microsoft account and my PC is reflected under the "device info and support" tab. Please help.

 

Unable to reactivate Windows 10 after motherboard change.

I purchased Windows 8 and upgraded for free to Windows 10 when I still had my old motherboard. Now it doesn't let me reactivate it.

I followed these steps:

• Select the Start button, select Settings > Update & security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot. You must be signed in as an administrator.
• The troubleshooter will show a message that Windows can’t be activated on your device. Select I changed hardware on this device recently, and then select Next.

After that I just get this message:

Unable to activate Windows

We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license
on this device or try again later.

But I am signed in with my only microsoft account and when I sign in to https://www.microsoft.com and look at my account I can see my PC's name together with my old motherboard name as a device.

Do I have to buy a new Windows 10 now or what am I supposed to do?