Windows 10: Trouble activating Windows 10 after hardware changes

I'm having a lot of trouble reactivating my Windows 10 digital (?) license. I originally took the offer for the free upgrade from Windows 8.1 back in 2016 and had been using my purchased Windows 8 key for Windows 10 activation. However, several months ago a power surge severely damaged my computer. Ultimately I had to replace the PSU, CPU, GPU, and Motherboard, while retaining the same RAM and all four storage drives with Windows 10 still installed on one of them.


I thought that finally buying the last replacement part would be the end of my woes, but now Windows 10 refuses to activate. Automatic activation gives the 0x803F7001 error code. The troubleshooter gives the 0x803F8001 error code. Selecting "I changed hardware on this device recently" leads to "We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now." I only have the one Microsoft account so to my understanding my old key should have automatically been tied to this account but the troubleshooter can't seem to find it. As a last resort I tried to dig up my original Windows 8 key, but it was purchased in 2013 and has been lost. I can't very well pull my old key directly from the BIOS of my fried motherboard either.


I've scoured the internet and haven't found anything to help. Everything I've tried has just led me in circles, where the only outcomes are that the troubleshooter magically finds my old key again or I pay money I don't have to buy software I already own. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated, I'm at the end of my rope with this.

:)

 

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?

 

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.

 

Recently installed a new motherboard, now having troubles activating Windows 10.

Hi Peter,

To activate your Windows 10 after a major hardware change, we suggest that you check and follow the steps from the following links:

• Re-Activating Windows 10 after major hardware replacement (Thread).
• Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change.

We would appreciate it if you could get back to us and provide us your feedback.