Windows 10: Upgraded hardware, windows needs to be reactivated.

I recently got a new motherboard, cpu, and ram installed in my pc and I now have a watermark at the bottom of my screen saying "Activate Windows - Go to Settings to activate Windows". I went to the activation settings, clicked troubleshoot and a tab opens up saying "We weren't able to activate windows on this device.". I then clicked on "I changed hardware on this device recently", I select my pc and click activate and it says that it was unable to activate windows.


I originally had a copy of windows 8.1 pro and did the free upgrade to windows 10 3 or 4 years ago. I still have my original windows 8.1 pro product key but if I use that won't I go back to windows 8? Just trying to get back to windows 10.

:)

 

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.

 

Reactivating Windows 10 after hardware upgrade

I recently did some major hardware upgrades on my computer, including replacing the motherboard. A week before I did this I linked my digital license to my microsoft account so I could reactivate windows after the upgrade, following the steps on this page:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

After following the second set of steps I'm given this error:

"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."

Clicking "See other devices" shows me nothing except:

"We can’t reactivate Windows from these devices.



If you're not seeing your current device, make sure you're signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on this device. "

I'm signed in on this computer as an admin with my Microsoft account. Is there anything else I can try to reactivate Windows 10?

 

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.