Windows 10: Trouble Activating Windows after Motherboard Change

I recently switched out my motherboard because the previous one got bricked due to a power surge. After setting up my my computer with my new motherboard my windows notified me that I needed to activate windows. I have had an activated windows since Windows 8.1 and upgraded freely to 10. I have been trying to find my key to activate but I don't remember whether my product was digital or physical. I have used the command

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

to find my key but nothing showed up. Is there any way to reactivate windows without buying a new copy?

:)

 

Can't activate windows 10 after changing motherboard

Hello,

I can't activate my windows 10 license after changing my motherboard.

The license I have is a Windows 7 Pro license, that got changed into a Windows 10 license, when the upgrade was free.

Steps I took previous to the motherboard change:

- I linked my Microsoft account with my device, so that my license is registered under my account (it showed up with my mail in the accounts section)

Now, with the new motherboard built in, I can't activate Windows 10 anymore.

I tried the support steps listed by the Microsoft helper (Activation -> Click Troubleshoot), but that did not work.

In the Activitation settings I get the error code: 0xC004F213

Does anybody know a solution for this, as I haven't found one so far.

 

Having trouble activating windows after changing motherboards

Hi, Peter,

When you changed the Motherboard was it through the OEM manufacturer?

Once you change and do not go through the OEM steps to switch motherboards, the pc is considered a New PC which does require purchasing a New License for Windows 10.

Try the Activation Troubleshooter

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20527/...

If you made a significant hardware change to your device (such as replacing the motherboard), Windows 10 might no longer be activated and you might see the activation error codes 0x803f7001 or 0xC004C008. If you're running Windows 10, version 1607 or later
and you added your Microsoft account to the new device, the digital license will be linked to your device. When you see these error codes, you can use the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows.

If your Original Hardware Manufacturer (OEM) changed the motherboard for you, your PC should reactivate automatically or you should be provided with a replacement product key. If you see the Activation error Unable to reach Windows activation servers, and then
follow the steps in this additional help article.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440

You might also try going to Get Help

Click Start > Select Get Help app

The Virtual Assistant will appear

Type Test

Reply No to the questions asked and you will be transferred to a Live Chat with Microsoft Activation support

 

Activate Windows 10 after motherboard change

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I built the PC myself and it is\was a retail Windows 8 Pro license upgraded to 10.

The guide listed that I should be able to transfer the license, and following the steps given when selecting "I recently changed hardware" in the activation process it does not list my previous device to select from.

My Microsoft account is logged in on both my old and new motherboard, and my old motherboard is unable to boot at all to deactivate or retrieve any keys.

If my license is indeed available for transfer, how can I proceed from here?

Thanks.