Windows 10: Windows 10 Pro Re-activation problems

I recently changed motherboards on my Win 10 PC. I had set up a Microsoft account, which was working prior to changing any hardware. I am attempting to reactivate Win 10 under Settings / Activation / Troubleshoot, however, I seem to be getting an error.

I get an option to to click

"I changed hardware on this device recently". The first time I did this I was able to enter my MS account info, however, the screen turned white and I had no other option. Upon trying it (even after a restart) I am getting the same error, except I can not even enter my MS account password anymore.

This copy of Win 10 Pro was an upgrade (clean install) from Win 7. Any advice appreciated!

:)

 

not able to activate Window 10 pro ---- error code 0xC004C014

not able to activate windows 10 pro after re-install

 

Replacing the Motherboard/CPU and the Hard Drive

afchlam,

You do not save your OEM Pro licence. The record of it being activated with Windows 10 Pro is saved on Microsoft's activation servers. You can reinstall and it will re-activate online.

Denis

 

Hi, see if anything here helps:
Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

Did you clean install after changing the MOBO, or simply swap the board and reboot?

 

I've had problems too - I wonder if servers are playing up?

 

Swapped and rebooted. This worked for me in the past, but that ways always with Win 7. A family member did the same a days prior with Win 10 and it worked though. Same type of license (8.1 upgraded to 10, Microsoft account).

Not looking to do a clean install at the moment.

Because this was an upgrade (I inputted an 8.1 key last year when I got Win 10), can I type in my old Win 8.1 serial key?

 

How to Use Your Free Windows 10 License After Changing Your PC’s Hardware

Will Upgrading Motherboard After Upgrading To Windows 10 Make Me Lose - Microsoft Community
- detail of each different license type and implications

There are some here who have experience of this- and other threads on this topic. I expect someone who's been through this personally will be able to comment further.

Was your original license retail or OEM?

 

8.1 Pro, OEM to upgraded Win 10. Tied to an MS account.

My understanding (per some responses on this forum) that this should allow for changing of hardware. I also know others who just did the same thing without issue.

 

Second link says:
OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

- is your MBO identical?

N.B. it is possible, of course, that has been superceded. Others may know. You'll probably get more responses tomorrow.

 

No, new motherboard. They no longer make the model I was replacing so it is a different model.

Just to be clear, I am having the issue at step 6:

How to re-activate Windows 10 after a hardware change | Windows Central

I never see the "Make it yours" text, it is just a blank white page.

 

On the basis of what I found above, it's not allowed. I would hope for sthg better than a blank though!

Meanwhile you can try contacting your regional activation centre. And as said previously by cereberus, there may be an issue contacting the activation servers.

 

Why not just try it?

 

Just to update, it activated. I am not sure if this helped:

1) Check devices for your Win 10 account. My PC was checked off. Restart, a few times (think I did 4-5 restarts). Continue checking your devices.

2) Eventually the screen stopped giving a blank page. Asked to enter MS account email and password. Activated.

No idea if checking your devices within an internet browser in step 1 (don't recall where I even went to get that option) helped, but all seems to be working now.