Windows 10: Windows is making me purchase a new activation key!

I just swapped CPUs on my computer and put my motherboard and everything into a new tower. Now after getting everything working, Windows is demanding I purchase a new activation key, because "We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now". My Windows key was purchased several years ago! Why does Windows need me to activate it on my new CPU anyways? My motherboard is the same, why do I have to purchase Windows again?!

:)

 

Transferring a Windows 10 Product Key to a new computer

You cannot use OEM key to activate other devices. But I have seen cases where in it will activate.

You will have to follow below steps to activate on new device:

Open cmd as admin (on new computer)

Slmgr -upk (enter)

Slmgr -cpky

Slmgr -rilc

Slmgr -ipk XXXXX-XXXX-..... (your pk key)

Slmgr -ato

This should activate on new device. Before purchasing a key I'll suggest you try above steps because I have done in the past and it had worked.

 

Windows 8.1 pro + WMC key activation

yeah, just don't forget that MCE gives you a new Windows key.... I had activation errors untill I entered the MCE key....

 

Can't activate Windows 10 Pro purchased from Microsoft Store

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

It sounds like you're caught in a frustrating loop trying to activate Windows 10 Pro on your new PC. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue:

1. Verify Your Purchase

Ensure that your purchase of Windows 10 Pro was successful. Check your email for a confirmation from Microsoft, which might include the license key or further instructions. Sometimes, the key is provided in the confirmation email or in your Microsoft account under the "Services & subscriptions" section.

2. Check Your Microsoft Account

If the license was tied directly to your Microsoft account, try logging into your account on the new PC. To do this:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and check if you're logged in with the correct Microsoft account.
  
• Then, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and see if there's an option to activate Windows using a Microsoft account.
  

3. Contact Microsoft Support

Given the error message from the Microsoft Store and the inability to activate Windows, your next best step is to contact Microsoft Support directly. They can verify your purchase and assist with activation. Be ready to provide any purchase confirmation details or receipts.

4. Manual Activation

If you eventually receive an activation key and wish to try activating Windows via Command Prompt again, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  
• In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter
  
  slmgr.vbs /ipk yourlicensekey
  
  (Replace "yourlicensekey" with your actual product key).
  
• After entering the product key, type the following command to activate Windows
  
  slmgr.vbs /ato
  

5. Use the Activation Troubleshooter

Although you mentioned the troubleshooter redirects you to the store, it's worth trying again after attempting the above steps, especially if any changes are made to your account or if you manage to log in with a Microsoft account that has a license associated with it.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click on Troubleshoot. This tool is particularly helpful if you've made a significant hardware change.
  

6. Verify Your Installation Media

Ensure that your installation media is for Windows 10 Pro and not another edition of Windows. Using the wrong edition can cause activation issues.

If all else fails, keeping a detailed record of your attempts and any error messages to provide to Microsoft Support will be helpful. Their assistance might be necessary to resolve complex activation issues, especially when standard troubleshooting steps don't work.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.



Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist