Windows 10: Windows 10 Reactivation after Motherboard : Invalid, despite being on retail channel

Hi - I've just replaced my PC motherboard, and as part of the prep, followed all the KB articles to check that my current licence was a valid b active & linked to my MS account and c digital.


After replacing the motherboard, and following the reactivation prompts, I got the "Windows is not activated etc Error Code 0xC004F211..." message, and clicked on "Troubleshooting" as the KB suggested, then chose the "I changed hardware on this device recently" option, but then a window launches that says "Unable to activate Windows...we can't reactivate Windows as our servers aren't available etc etc"


I've checked my licence status using the slmgr /dlv and it tells me it's Retail Channel, on Notification, shows partial key, and a Reason of 0xC004F034


I am signed into my MS account on the machine when doing the above.


I've called MS support twice, but am always told I need to provide my original Win8 Retail Licence Key - which, sadly I have no idea where it is. I took the free upgrade to Win10 when it was available - hence the digital licence.


There are a few articles about steps to resolve a 0xC004F034, but I don't want to start changing anything when the steps I've taken in line with the KBs should work. Any thoughts?

:)

 

New Motherboard and Reactivation


Replacement of a mobo with the manufacturer's recommended part should lead to reactivation by phone. Upgrading to any other board invalidates the license and may require a retail copy of Windows. If the OS upgraded from was OEM then the license is gone with an upgrade mobo. If the OS upgraded from was a retail FPP copy, then it can be reactivated on any new mobo installed and so should be the Windows 10 upgrade, although phone activation may be required.

 

Reactivating retail Windows 10 pro after upgrading motherboard

I'm about to upgrade my motherboard and I already have my Windows 10 license linked to my Microsoft Account. Can I erase the hard drive, upgrade the motherboard, clean install Windows 10 and then run troubleshooter to reactivate with the same Microsoft account? What would happen if I use the Remove PC option in the list of devices in my Microsoft Account? Is there a way to do a remote wipe from the Microsoft account with Find My Device?

 

Windows 10 wont reactivate after motherboard change

It depends on how Windows 10 was originally configured on your computer.

If its a full retail store bought license online or offline, it is transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

If its the free upgrade from a retail store bought Windows 7 or Windows 8 license, it is transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

If its the free upgrade from a OEM preinstalled Windows 7 or Windows 8 license, it is NOT transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

Learn more about transferring your license:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer

If its a retail license, learn how to reactivate:

• Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support