Windows 10: Windows Activation issue. "Looks like the hardware on this device has changed" I only...

I reformatted my PC. I had a genuine Windows via Digital License. I also upgraded my Windows from 10 to 11 prior to my reformat back in Aug 2022 and had no issues. I changed my GPU from a 970 to a 3070ti in Feb-March. Today i decided to reformat my PC and do a fresh Windows 11 installation. Now i'm stuck with this Error Code: 0xC0EA000A. It won't let me find a solution via the troubleshoot and i'm waiting for over 8 hours for Microsoft to call me back....

:)

 

ACTIVATION ISSUE

Hi,

Activation issues with Windows 10 devices are usually caused due to some hardware changes. For us to provide an effective resolution, we would need you to answer the following questions:

• What changes have you made to your devices before this issue occurred?
• Are your computers connected to a domain?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

In the meantime, we suggest visiting these links. These can be used as a reference on how to activate Windows 10:

• Activation in Windows 10.
• Find your Windows product key.

We are looking forward to your response.

 

Unable to activate Windows after hardware change.

Unfortunately, the Activation troubleshooter didn't work. I already had a look into that page but it didn't fix my issue.

 

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