Windows 10: Windows 10 activation with new motherboard

I've tried contacting Microsoft support by both chat (twice) and phone, and none of it was helpful. And so I'm posting the problem here.

I have a laptop that was originally running Windows 7. I upgraded to Windows 10 last month via the free upgrade option, and things were working fine for a while. However, a motherboard issue forced me to replace the motherboard yesterday. This also required me to move the old hard drive and CPU to the new motherboard.

Now, my problem is this: while I do still have Windows 10 installed on my device, it is an evaluation copy; it is not activated as the full product. Some research told me that the free W10 upgrade is linked to the device's hardware, something I didn't know. Since I'm using a different motherboard now, Microsoft apparently doesn't recognize that I DO own a full version of W10 courtesy of the free upgrade.

So now I'm wondering whether there is a way to transfer my W10 license to the new motherboard so it will activate. And before you ask/suggest anything:

• My original sticker on the bottom of my computer with the W7 license key on it fell off a long time ago. So no, I don't have that.
• I tried contacting Dell to get my original product key, and they refused to help me because I'm out of warranty, even though what I'm asking them for is very simple.

Any help is appreciated.

:)

 

Windows 10 keeps crashing to many different BSODs

New motherboard makes it a new computer and any old Windows 10 will not be activated as the mew motherboard has not been activated.

You therefore have to buy a new Windows 10.

 

Updated hardware and now windows won't activate

The SSD was not activated. The computers motherboard gets the activation.

Different motherboard, or computer needs new Windows 10 activation.

 

Legally, I am afraid MS is entirely correct.

The windows 10 EULA is very clear, you can only transfer windows 10 to a new device (new mobo counts as a new device) if the 10 licence is standalone (aka retail), or ORIGINAL licence was standalone (retail). You also have to remove 10 or 7 from old device as well.

Because you upgraded from an oem licence, your 10 licence is only valid on original device.

Legally, you have to buy a new licence.

Even if you had the COA licence, legally, all you can do is reinstall windows 7 on same pc, so that does not help.

I cannot discuss illegal methods of course, as I assume that would be against forum rules as a reputable site.