Windows 10: Windows 10 activation Issues after hardware change

Recently upgraded the motherboard of my desktop. Using Windows 10 after a Windows 7 free upgrade. I tied my Windows 10 activation to my Microsoft Account like every other help article suggested -before- doing the hardware change.


Tried the activation troubleshooter. I get the message:

Unable to activate Windows
We can’t reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later.


I've tried calling the customer support line and the guy on the other end refused to help me without providing a windows 7 product key. He kept rambling about a sticker on my laptop, and I couldn't seem to make him understand that this was a homebuilt desktop PC. My Windows 7 paperwork was tossed out literally over a decade ago because of obsolescence. Is there anyone that can actually assist me, in English? I don't know why this is so problematic considering that I should have a valid Windows 10 registration on my Microsoft Account.

:)

 

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.

 

ACTIVATION ISSUE

Hi,

Activation issues with Windows 10 devices are usually caused due to some hardware changes. For us to provide an effective resolution, we would need you to answer the following questions:

• What changes have you made to your devices before this issue occurred?
• Are your computers connected to a domain?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

In the meantime, we suggest visiting these links. These can be used as a reference on how to activate Windows 10:

• Activation in Windows 10.
• Find your Windows product key.

We are looking forward to your response.

 

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?