Unable to activate windows after hardware change reddit. " Tried it over ten times, still nothing. For more info, see Reactivating Windows after a hardware change. Now that I’m on new PC, I’ve signed into Microsoft account and cannot upgrade windows. Click the Next button. Nov 16, 2019 · I even reassembled my PC as it was before I made a hardware change and deactivated the Windows license and formatted the drive. -I clicked "Changed hardware on this device recently"-Since my Windows was linked to my Microsoft Account, I see the option to choose my desktop. Click Activation. Is it possible that is the issue? Jul 24, 2022 · Hi, Windows doesn't want to activate after i swapped HDD with SSD, i had activated windows 10 with OEM global key purchased online. I had some issues with previously installed Windows 11, so I reinstalled it. If, on the other hand, you have a retail Windows license, then you should be able to activate it using the Windows Activation Troubleshooter. See full list on support. For PC questions/assistance. If you have already done a hardware change and are facing trouble activating Windows and getting unable to activate windows after hardware change error, the solutions explained below can help you. Now Windows is saying, "We can’t activate your copy of Windows as the digital license for this device has already been used to reactivate Windows. " May 1, 2024 · I'm also unable to activate Windows 11 after reinstallation. Reinstalling and replacing major hardware components are likely to be the main reasons for reactivation. Instead, load up Windows 10 and reactivate through the Settings app as explained in the following steps. I click on my computer from the list. I have windows activated with a digital license. Today I changed my motherboard and now windows is deactivated because it detected the hardware change. I was told that you can transfer over the digital license by going to Activation -> Activate Windows now -> Troubleshoot -> I changed hardware on this device recently. If you did purchase windows separately and built the PC yourself, it may or may not activate with your 5x5. We would like to inform that whenever a major hardware change is made, which in your case are Motherboard and CPU, Windows won’t be able to find a matching license the next time you start your device. I spent a good hour digging around for the option to call MS on the phone, and could not find the number (or an option to request a call back) anywhere in the Win 11 help. After a short wait, I get a message that reads: Oct 4, 2023 · When we replace any of the hardware on our computer, we might get an error, like being unable to activate Windows after a hardware change. Welcome to the largest unofficial community for Microsoft Windows, the world's most popular desktop computer operating system! This is not a tech support subreddit, use r/WindowsHelp or r/TechSupport to get help with your PC Edit: Assuming you didn't buy a retail or DSP version of Windows and build the original PC yourself, the license is injected into the motherboard and since you replaced it, it's no longer there. Here are some steps you can try to fix the activation errors: If your old laptop was running an OEM version of Windows then it likely will never activate on your new laptop, since the license is tied to the old hardware. For more info about product keys and digital licenses, see Activate Windows. A record is made on activation servers that specific device ID has been activated with a product key. First thing I saw was the watermark, "Activate Windows. Activate Windows - Microsoft Support Reactivating Windows after a hardware change - Microsoft Support. I read that it would transfer over to my new PC once I upgraded my hardware. Unofficial subreddit for the game Among Us by Innersloth. When I built my PC in May 2024, it was on Windows 10 which was activated (Windows key that came with my laptop linked to my Outlook account) and I got an official update to Windows 11. Microsoft has made reactivating Windows after hardware change pretty simple. However, you can use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate for free. I use Windows 10 Pro. After the hardware selection where the old pc shows up it justs says "Windows can not be activated on this device pls try later again". Mar 1, 2022 · Today I had to change my motherboard and CPU, and immediately after that my Windows 10 began showing the "Activate Windows" message in the bottom right corner of the screen. I got the digital license through upgrading from Windows 8. Now whenever I go through the reactivation process, Going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshooting > I've recently changed the hardware on this device Then I select the computer I'm using, and hit activate and it just thinks for a few seconds and says Unable to Activate Windows so Idk what the problem is. After I press activate, it tells me "Unable to activate Windows. None that I use anyway. It was never intended for a wholesale change to a new pc or completely different mobo. ". You cannot activate Windows with a generic key, the keys listed on that page, can not be used to activate Windows. I don't recall ever having to "reactivate windows" after changing to Motherboard B, but it's possible. Wait for a few minutes or try adding your Microsoft account again. My Microsoft Account now shows two instances of the same computer (see screenshot below). The original windows license rule of thumb was that the license was basically tied to that machine and a major change like a motherboard would make it a different machine, especially for the OEM versions versus the full Retail versions. . Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app. I recently changed the motherboard on my Pc and when trying to activate Windows, it would recognize the hardware change, but the troubleshooter just kept saying try again later. All other components remain the same. 5 Solutions To Fix Unable to Activate Windows After Hardware Change. I did that, and got Oct 3, 2019 · We understand that after changing the Motherboard and CPU, you are unable to activate Windows. I contacted support and they claimed I had an OEM and it wouldn't be able to re activate on a new pc. However, it is pretty standard and can be fixed easily. In that case, you will need to contact support for manual activation. – We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. We can't reactivate Windows on this device. When I tried to reactivate it, I put in the one time PIN they emailed me, but then it wouldn't reactivate the key no matter what I do. Oct 1, 2024 · Unable to activate Windows. Welcome to the largest community for Microsoft Windows 10, the world's most popular computer operating system! This is not a tech support subreddit, use r/WindowsHelp or r/TechSupport to get help with your PC But Windows won't let be activate, when I troubleshoot the activator it says hardware has changed (duh, it's a new PC) and says I can get a new key if I want. Oct 30, 2019 · I am 90% Windows 10 Pro for Workstations doesn’t come preinstalled on OEM products, are you sure, that’s the version that came with your device? Windows 10 Pro for Workstations ISOs to my knowledge don’t even exist. I tried going to settings and clicking the troubleshoot thing, but it still doesn't activate. (0x803fa067) Learn more about Windows Activation. com Aug 3, 2018 · After linking your Microsoft account with the digital license, you can use the new Activation Troubleshooter to re-activate Windows 10 after making a hardware change on your computer. I recently changed hardware on my custom build. Get the Reddit app Scan this QR code to download the app now Cannot activate windows after hardware change . Dec 15, 2012 · Went to activate, hit "Troubleshoot", hit "I recently made a hardware change", logged in to my Microsoft Account (and verified the device previously), chose the original device (Dell), and it just says "Unable to activate Windows. Open Jan 12, 2024 · If you recently made a significant hardware change (such as replacing the motherboard or the drive) or reinstalled Windows, you may need to reactivate Windows 11 on your device. It should be also tied to your microsoft account (if you logged in after activating that Windows 10). Try telling them to check that. A few days ago my motherboard developed a issue and required replacing. Try again later. If you have a specific Keyboard/Mouse/AnyPart that is doing something strange, include the model number i. Oct 20, 2023 · Also, if this is confirmed to be a retail license, you actually do not want to remove the device off your account. Already tried the "changed my hardware" troubleshoot but all windows says is that "my key is from a version different from the one I'm using". Reply reply OkMany3232 If you upgraded your computer to Windows 10 from an original genuine Windows 8, you should have a Windows 10 license tied to that hardware. The association enables you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later. You want to do the troubleshoot and choose the hardware change option. -I see "Desktop-4D68ONU Windows 10 Education" and check "This is the device I'm using right now" and click Activate-I get "Unable to activate Windows, We can't activate Windows on this device. We can't activate Windows on this device. microsoft. ; Confirm your account password. I tried the hardware troubleshooter. " When I log in my Microsoft account I clearly see the working version of the PC, pre-hardware change and after, with the new hardware. By removing your old device, it will not go through the hardware change option. To find out how to locate your key, see Find your Windows product key. Welcome to the largest community for Microsoft Windows 10, the world's most popular computer operating system! This is not a tech support subreddit, use r/WindowsHelp or r/TechSupport to get help with your PC Mar 16, 2017 · When using the Activation Troubleshooter for reactivating windows 10 after a hardware change (motherboad), and following the steps found here: Unable to activate I had to re-install Win 11 last week, and had issues with re-activation following the fresh install. I had Windows 7 Pro initially and did the free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro in March 2021, so according to Microsoft Support I would have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro that is linked with my Microsoft Account. After making significant hardware changes to the computer (replacing the motherboard, processor, and memory), the installation may lose its activation because it thinks this is a new computer. Subsequent activation requests from the same device ID for same edition of Windows will activate automatically. After upgrading to Windows 10 I linked it to my Microsoft account. Jan 17, 2017 · Sign in as an administrator. I can see my old device, as well as my new one, listed in the “devices” section. After a couple of days, I started searching for other solutions and followed instructions on how to activate my license through the command box. Try again later" This has been a back and forth interaction for about 4 days now and nothings changing, and yes I did purchase windows but don't know/can't find the product key. I went to Troubleshoot > I recently changed hardware on this device. Tried the method of troubleshoot activation > I changed hardware on this device > reactivate but it just gives me a "unable to upgrade, try again later" message. e. Jan 12, 2023 · Activate Windows 11 after hardware change. This shit is the worse, I had retail windows 10, got a new pc used my product key but it could not activate. The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on your device. Jan 15, 2024 · (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Click the Next button. It's a retail copy, linked to my account. Sep 28, 2023 · It also doesn’t work when i’m going through my digital key, the troubleshoot even prompt me which computer did I changed the hardware to, and then when I select it, it says : « We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. Threats include any threat of violence, or harm to another. I thought only motherboard change would cause this, until now i had zero problems with activation, even after clean reinstalling windows it would auto activate. Crewmates can win by completing all tasks or discovering and voting the Impostor off the ship. To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps: Reactivation after hardware change. When asking a question or stating a problem, please add as much detail as possible. I don't have a CD or receipt cause I got windows 7 around 5 years ago and i got the free upgrade to windows 10. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. I had tried running the windows activation troubleshooter, clicking the link saying I swapped out hardware. 1, a while ago. " Oct 18, 2018 · Good luck - I recently had a hardware meltdown (literally) and had to change hardware. Windows 10. This guide will discuss all the potential fixes to resolve this Windows Activation issue. Confirm your local account password. Calling up MS support and all they ask for is the original Windows 7 key or a proof of purchase, which after trawling through my emails for hours, I'm still unable to find for some reason. Still the problem persists. Linking your Microsoft account to your digital license allows you to reactivate Windows using the activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change. For Windows 10 and 11, you can add your Microsoft account to help you reactivate Windows after making a hardware change. ; Once you complete the steps, you should see the I changed hardware on this device recently So of course I click that, I select my device in the list (no other options, I did check whether the device name corresponds to my PC), click activate, and Unable to activate windows. "Unable to activate Windows, We can't reactivate Windows on this device. "I changed hardware" wizard: Unable to activate Windows We can't reactivate Windows as our servers aren't available right now. If Windows 10 remains intact on a surviving drive, you don't need to reinstall. And now I can't find the key as well. Feb 25, 2018 · I just changed my mobo+cpu and windows is telling me to activate windows again. The activation after hardware change was introduced to allow users to reactivate in event of a hardware failure (typically a failed mobo). Anyone have any options for me to try, Thanks. I signed into the Microsoft account I was using previously. Now I can't activate windows because of the hardware change. I've just upgrade my computer this week, and now windows isn't activated because it detected new hardware. I had purchased Win 10 Pro through Microsoft's online store and never got a Product ID Key but a digital certificate - being told that it would activate during installation. You can also activate this device by going to the Store and purchasing a genuine copy of Oct 29, 2019 · Follow the setup instructions until you reach the desktop. We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. Jun 1, 2024 · Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Click Update & security. It's possible that this change is causing Windows to think that the hardware of your laptop has been changed, and it's preventing the system from being activated. In the list coming up after clicking "I recently changed hardware" there is a device that I do not know which it is. I just got disconnected from the support line after 2 transfers to the incorrect team, finally being disconnected after 45 McIntyre hold. My original copy of windows was Windows 8 home, which then came with a free upgrade to 10. I'm logged into the same windows account as I was before the hardware change. re-entry of the key does not work Jul 9, 2021 · On Windows 10 (version 1607 or later), it is essential that you link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. Windows is now un-activated and I am unable to re-activate under the same license as For more information about digital licenses and product keys in Windows 10 and Windows 11, see the “Methods of Activation” section in Activate Windows. If you made substantial hardware changes to your PC, such as replacing your hard drive or motherboard, Windows might no longer be activated. If you used a product key to get to Windows 11, then you’ll need that key again after the hardware change. I select "This is the device I'm using right now". When I run the troubleshooter and choose that I changed hardware it has one listed, which is the correct desktop, but when I choose that's what I'm using now, it says "We can’t activate your copy of Windows as the digital license for this device has already been used to reactivate Windows. The "I changed hardware" wizard shows my device on the microsoft account but clicking "This is the device I'm using right now" does not resolve it Unable to activate Windows We can’t activate your copy of Windows as the digital license for this device has already been used to reactivate Windows. I got a new motherboard and CPU, and I booted up my PC. Jul 2, 2024 · If Windows wasn’t pre-installed on your device when purchased and you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 11/10, then you’ll need that same product key after the hardware change. I can't find any way to contact someone from Microsoft. Unable to access Windows partition, mounting Did a fresh windows (10) install using the ISO tool in the windows website and now I can't reactivate my windows because my key was for windows pro and my current version is "home". I tried using my license code, but it did not work. The software was not preinstalled on my pc. Its intent was to reactivate (with similar(ish) mobo. I went through the normal steps in re activating my license of windows 10 education, however the troubleshooter gets to the final step and then tells me it is unable to activate windows at this time try again later. A motherboard is a primary component to a computer, so it is understandable how Microsoft may consider that to be a whole new computer. Play online or over local WiFi with 4-15 players as a Crewmate or an Impostor. But when I use the "Change Key" option & enter the new key I bought it still says "It looks like the hardware on this device has changed. Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot . So my friend bought an new cpu and motherboard for his pc after swapping everything out i got a Problem with the key reactivation that i never had before. I tried phone activation, it doesn't put me through to a human after saying the process failed, just ends the call. Long story short - have been a windows insider from very beginning and because of that I was given a license activation once windows 10 was released. If you changed hardware, the device ID changes and there’s no more proof you own a license. Make sure you associate your Microsoft account to your digital license to prepare for hardware changes. acneqs zvnx ovfz ohpyrb qntmk yhmbrx znwhva juy lluyhq jujjqnr