Windows 10: Windows 10 Activation not showing up after new motherboard change.

My windows is tied to my e-mail.


I have changed motherboards multiple times and have been told by reps that I don't need to extract keys from MOBO's before as it is tied to my account.


I recently changed platform to socket 1151.


During installation I usually wipe my SSD prior to installing the MOBO so it is completely fresh. This time I needed to transfer some files, so I booted the new driver (with the wrong chip set drivers) in my new mobo and then reset and formatted.


When I now go to troubleshoot activate windows and check "recently changed hardware" it only lists my previous motherboards, not my new one.


I contacted support but he wasn't helpful.


I don't have the original key as it has rubbed off the case as it is years old.


How do I proceed? I'm not going to buy a new windows licence for the sake of removing a watermark.

:)

 

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.

 

Activate Windows 10 after motherboard change

Hi,

I own a retail copy of windows 8 pro upgraded to windows 10. My motherboard recently died completely and after purchasing and installing a new one I am unable to activate windows.

I have logged into my Microsoft account and selected "recently changed hardware" but it is not showing up my old PC to select from, however when I am logged into my account on the support site I can see it listed under devices.

How do I activate my existing copy of windows on my new motherboard?

Thanks.

 

New Motherboard, Windows 10 activation

Hi Austin,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

Before changing the Motherboard, was Windows 10 activated?

You just need to activate Windows 10. Refer the link below.

Why can't I activate Windows 10?:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

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.

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.