Windows 10: Windows Deactivated Due to "Hardware Change"

Windows was deactivated because I plugged in an old hard drive that had an installation of Windows in it so I could extract some old data. I set the boot order to ensure that I had the correct drive to boot my new drive to the system, but it didn't boot correctly. Powered down and removed the drive. Booted up, and now my license appears to be invalid because I "changed hardware recently". I have attempted to re-activate my license but just come back with errors such as "It looks like the hardware on this device has changed. Make sure you're connected to the Internet and try again later. Error code: 0xC0EA000A". I have attempted to run the Troubleshoot and use the Change product key option, but both failed to work.


The Windows Helpdesk has been zero help. The support number just refers me here, and the "Virtual Agent" says they'll connect me with somebody through a chat, but that never happens, always fluctuating between waiting 1-3 minutes. I waited half an hour with no contact, and the "Call me back" option just ends up in a bizarre "something went wrong" error.


I refuse to buy another license of this operating system and demand assistance, and I found no other option to tell somebody about it besides here. What do I do?

:)

 

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

 

Windows deactivating after hardware changes, won't reactivate.

I have made significant hardware changes to my computer and a few days after, windows has deactivated. I have tried using the troubleshooter and other methods of reactivating, however none of these have worked. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should
try next to fix this.

 

Windows 10 got deactivated after a hardware change

Hello guys, new here.

I recently did an hardware upgrade (Motherboard + CPU) and then I realized that my windows got deactivated. I got the license key and I've been trying to re-enter it but it won't work. I already did the "troubleshoot" thingy but it doesn't show "I did an
hardware change" or something like that option.

Any ideas how to fix this issue?