Windows 10: Windows 10 will not activate after changing hardware no product key, digital license, free...

Hello MS Community,I built my PC in 2015 and purchased Windows 8. Since then, I did the free upgrade to Windows 10 and reset my PC once. When I sign into my Microsoft account I can clearly see my PC under my devices with Windows 10 Enterprise as the listed OS.Here is what I did:Upgraded my GPU from an AMD R9 280XFX to an EVGA nVidia GTX 1080 TI FTW3Added 16 GB RAM to my existing 16 GB of RAM for a total of 32GB 4x8 using the same brand, model, size, and frequencyReset the PC - I reset and resintalled windows on my C: drive.I decided on a fresh start and did my first reset since acquiring my

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Windows won't activate a digital license but will with a product key?

If you plan on "transferring" a digital license from one computer to another using the activation troubleshooter and your Microsoft Account, then yes, start with the generic product key on the new computer. Actually, on a new install, you select the option for "I don't have a product key" and then after the install use the Activation Troubleshooter.

Otherwise, if you are using a unique product key, either purchased or embedded in the firmware of the computer by the factory - let Windows 10/11 activate for the first time from that product key. AFTER it is activated, change the product key to the generic. One advantage to doing this is that if the original product key was OEM, changing it to the generic retail product key will also change the digital license type to retail and make it transferrable to another computer.

 

Windows won't activate a digital license but will with a product key?

Thank you for the insight

That's interesting. So you are suggesting after I make my next clone, I enter a generic product key in windows activation and THEN follow up with purchasing (or transferring) a digital license? Do I understand you correctly? If so, I'll try that on my next build.

It is possible. My only experience seeing it not cleared up in an hour (besides, of course, having the wrong time on my machine or a truly faulty connection) was many years ago. When I contacted Microsoft, they were able to diagnose that my license wasn't valid but couldn't tell me why. If memory serves me correctly, I attempted to move a license from a windows ten machine that initially was an upgrade from windows seven. I discovered (on this forum) that a windows ten license that was upgraded from windows seven license was not eligible to be transferred to a new machine. And I was not able to purchase a digital license. I needed a product key.

I couldn't find reputable dealers that are still selling retail windows 10 licenses (for example, Best Buy only lists the Spanish version of windows home on their website). But since I just learned that a windows 11 license can be used my concern has been allayed.

 

I cant activate Windows 10 after hardware change.....I had a digital license from Windows Insider.....before that had a OEM product key .......Suggestions?

I cant activate Windows 10 after hardware change.....I had a digital license from Windows Insider.....before that had a OEM product key .......Suggestions?