Windows 10: Windows 11 Activation Issue After Hardware Change - 0xC004F213

Dear Microsoft Support Team,I am writing to report a Windows 11 activation issue I am encountering after recently replacing several hardware components in my computer. I have reinstalled Windows 11 and am now receiving an error message stating 0xC004F213Prior to the hardware changes, Windows 11 was properly activated on my system. However, after replacing my motherboard, CPU, and case, the automatic activation process failed, and I am now unable to activate Windows. I did not replace my graphics card or SSD.I have attempted the following troubleshooting steps:running the activation troubleshoo

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Unable to activate Windows after hardware change

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Usually the error code 0xC004F213 comes when there is a hardware change done on the computer (like Motherboard or Hard drive). The Windows license is associated with the device hardware. If there is any significant hardware changes, such as replacing
motherboard or hard drive, Windows won’t be able to recognize the license.

I suggest you to try the troubleshooting steps from the article
Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change and see if Windows gets activated.

If you are using an OEM computer that came with Windows 7, and the motherboard has not been changed, then you can follow the steps to retrieve the product key that came with your OEM computer. To retrieve the product key follow the steps mentioned
below:

1. Type Command prompt in the search bar, that is on the taskbar.
   
2. Right click on Command prompt icon and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Type the command and press on Enter: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
   
4. You will find the product key.
   

Hope it helps.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Activating Windows 11 after a hardware change

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you reactivate your Windows 11:

1. Check Activation Status:
   
   • Open Settings.
     
   • Go to System > Activation.
     
   • Ensure that your Windows is listed as activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
     
2. Link Microsoft Account:
   
   • If your Microsoft account is not linked, you need to link it first.
     
   • In Settings, go to Accounts and ensure your Microsoft account is linked to your Windows.
     
3. Run Activation Troubleshooter:
   
   • Go to Settings > System > Activation.
     
   • Click on Troubleshoot.
     
   • The troubleshooter will detect that Windows can't be activated on your device.
     
4. Select Hardware Change Option:
   
   • In the troubleshooter, select I changed hardware on this device recently.
     
5. Sign In to Microsoft Account:
   
   • Enter your Microsoft account credentials.
     
   • From the list of devices linked to your Microsoft account, select the checkbox next to This is the device I’m using right now.
     
   • If you don’t see your device, ensure you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
     
6. Activate Windows:
   
   • Click Activate.
     

If you encounter issues where the edition does not match, it is likely because the digital license linked to your account is for Windows 10 Home, and you are now running Windows 11 Home. This mismatch can sometimes cause activation issues.

• Edition Mismatch: If the troubleshooter indicates an edition mismatch, ensure that you are using the same edition of Windows that was originally linked to your digital license. In your case, both should be Home editions, so this should not be an issue.
  
• Correct Microsoft Account: Double-check that you are using the same Microsoft account that was linked to your digital license.
  

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or if you need further assistance.

 

0xC004F213 error on activation after switching to a new hardware

Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f213 – Windows activation assists you to verify that your copy of windows is genuine. Windows is the part of Microsoft which always come up with the latest versions. To avail the amazing features of latest window version
a user need to upgrade it. And while upgrading most of the users have to deal with Windows common errors. In general, there are many errors but today in this blog section we will provide you with the solution for Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f213.

Step By Step Guide to Fix Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f213

Solution1: Buy the Product Key

This one is the most efficient way to troubleshoot your Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f213. Below listed are following steps that you can perform manually:

The first thing you need to do is click on the Start button and open Settings.

Then, click on Update and Security and go to Activation.

Select “Go to Microsoft Office Store”.

After that, you will have the option of a New Window License.

Click on that fill the requested details.

After you got your new license go back to Update and Security.

Now you have to tap on Activation and then click on “Edit Product Key”.

Lastly, you only need to update with a new key.

Solution 2: Restore Activation Token

It is quite essential to reconstruct the activation token file and try again. Following are the steps:

Firstly click on my computer and then go to local disk C.

After that on the local disk C, move on to Windows.

Choose System32 and select SPP.

Go to the Store when you see PP and then click on 2.0. C is the system drive where you have installed windows. In case you have installed in another drive then go there.

Solution 3: Activate Windows By Giving Command

In this process, you can try to activate Windows by using the command. Below are the steps:

First of all click on the Start button and go Cmd.

Afterwards right click on the Command prompt and choose Run as administrator.

Now you have to enter the below-mentioned commands

slmgr.vbs.ipk <product key>

slmgr.vbs/ato

Solution 4: Perform the System File Checker Command

The Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f213 occur because of an internal error on your computer. In this situation restoring the problematic system files may lead to an error on your computer. In order to run it, you must run the system file checker command:

Below given are the steps to perform this solution:

First of all click on the Start button

Then, in the search bar type Cmd.

Right click on the Cmd and choose run as administrator.

After that type sfc/scannow and hit the enter button. Wait for a moment until the process is complete.