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Activation after hardware change (Motherboard + hard drive)

Trying to Activate windows 10 after motherboard and hard drive change

Kept getting “unable to activate message” after  trying several times.

So, went into my Microsoft account and found I had 2 computers listed i.e. my old motherboards and my new motherboard so seeing that my licence was only valid for one computer I deleted the old computer

When I then tried to activate again, I got a message “Unable to find devices linked to your Microsoft account

I have a key from my windows software from Belarc advisor program but using this returns the message that I do not have a digital licence.

Deleting the old computer was the wrong move now you cannot use the activation troubleshooter to change it from the old to the new motherboard.

How did you get the licence originally, was it with the old computer or did you buy it separately. Or was it from the free upgrade?

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The licence was from the free windows 10 upgrade

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Hi Jagaphone

My name is Dayarys. I am an independent advisor, I am sorry about what is happening to you and I will try to help you.

There is a lot of information about this topic in the Microsoft Comunity, but the main idea is that it isn't possible to transfer the license from one motherboard to another, but there is a possibility and in some cases, you can try to reactivate please review the information below:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Also, take a look:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

I hope this information will be useful

Regards Dayarys

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Was the previous licence a separate retail purchase or was it preinstalled by the computer manufacturer.

If you have the previous licence key (Windows 7 or 8) then use that in settings>update and security>activation>change product key. If it is a retail licence key then it will activate, if it was OEM (provided by the manufacturer) then it cannot be transferred.

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Many thanks for your help.

Windows reactivated using my old windows 8.1 key

problem solved

thank you

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You're welcome.

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Last updated August 7, 2020 Views 37 Applies to: