Windows 10: Windows activation after hardware change, and Microsoft account problems.

I was trying to reactivate my windows 10 license after changing my motherboard but was unable to and windows would only tell me to try again later. I went to my Microsoft account online and saw that the two devices there (which were the same) didn't have the correct version of windows as I had just updated the night before to 1903 and the other devices were on 1803, so I removed them and added this device again in hopes that with the correct device associated to my Microsoft account, it would finally reactivate windows (which I have already done once before with a previous hardware change). But now when I try to reactivate from the hardware change option in the troubleshooter it says that there is no device from which to transfer my license from! Why would there be; this is the same device which is why I removed the other devices that were out of date! Does this mean that I have effectively lost my windows 10 pro license? With no way to recover it?

:)

 

Windows deactivated after hardware change, cant sign into Microsoft account to activate

Hello,

One of the possible reason why you can't sign in to your Microsoft account, is because the type of device you’re activating doesn’t match the type of device you linked to your digital license. To resolve you issue, we suggest that you follow the troubleshooting
steps on this
article. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change.

We would appreciate it if you could get back to us and give us an update with the result.

 

Activating WIndows 10 after hardware change.

Before replacing my hardware on my main computer, I logged into my Microsoft Windows account. Once logged in, I saw that the name of the PC that I was upgrading was in my list of PCs that were activated for Windows 10 Pro. So after reviewing how to reactivate
after a HW changed, I went ahead and upgraded the motherboard, CPU and memory in that PC.

Now, when it is time to reactivate, the PC in question is still listed in the hardware list on my MS account but it will not allow me to activate Windows. I followed the instructions online and ran the troubleshooting tool. It then gave me the following
response:

Unable to activate Windows

We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the
Windows 10 digital license on this device or try again later.

See other devices linked to your Microsoft account

So why would it not find the license that was for this PC when it had the old hardware installed? My assumption, albeit may wrong, was that the PC was activated because it was in the list. It was also activated as a Windows 10 Pro edition.

Anyone have any suggestions on this type of issue?

 

Activation problems after hardware changes and reinstallations.

Hi Meli,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I do appreciate your efforts and time.

Was Windows 10 activated before re-installing it?

Along with the suggestions provided by Greg, you can also refer the steps below.



The only hardware changes that can negatively impact activation status once you upgrade to free version are the changes to the:

• CPU
• TPM
• Motherboard replacement

The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will NOT impact the activation status:

• HDD/SSD
• Video card
• Adding extra memory

If you replace the CPU, TPM, or Motherboard you may have to re-activate but this will not require a purchase of Windows 10.

Why can't I activate Windows 10?:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

Get help with Windows 10 activation errors:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

Can I clean re-install Windows 10 after upgrading?

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.