How To Reactivate Windows 10 After A Hardware Change

How to reactivate the Windows 10 operating system after a hardware change.

When you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard or hard drive, Windows 10 won't be able to identify your computer correctly, and as a result, the operating system won't activate.

Previously, if your installation of Windows 10 lost its activation due to a hardware change, you would have to go through the tedious process of contacting Microsoft customer support to re-activate, which is not an ideal solution.

However, Microsoft is now simplifying the process. Beginning with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you can link your Microsoft account (MSA) with the Windows 10 digital license on your device. The new feature allows you to access the Activation Troubleshooter quickly to re-activate your free upgrade copy of Windows 10.

In this Windows 10 tutorial, we'll guide you through the process to link together your Microsoft Account and digital license, and the steps to use the Activation Troubleshooter to re-activate the operating system.

This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops,and tablets running the Windows 10 operating system (Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education) from all supported hardware manufactures, like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba,Lenovo, and Samsung).

[Lyrix]

6 years later and this guide is still relevant. super useful thanks!!

[turb]

It says that Microsoft servers are down all the time, I have just changed my mobo and CPU.

[jameswilkey]

5 years later and still helpong out, short, sweet and to the point, videos like this are really what keep the world turning

[hookhandtech]

WONT work for those who bought OEM variant of windows (single use, usually 10-30 dollars cheaper)
WILL work for those who bought retail version of windows (up to three PC's with single key)

[michaellink]

After I click on I changed hardware recently it goes to open microsoft account and after about 15 seconds it just stops and closes.

[zuebic]

so I just changed my motherboard in my computer. I did the troubleshooting and it says "We weren't able to activate windows on this Device." So now I don't know what to do. Can you help me?

[earthatationzebra]

Perfect ! I needed more space in my laptop, so after replacing the 1tb with a 2tb windows needed to be activated. This worked like a charm...made my day !!!

[dan]

This fixed my issue. Thank you so much!

[ReVz]

I changed my MOBO and ram and currently having the problem where it just won't work and reactivate. I'm using the same account and everything.

[sludgeman]

I can confirm this works when upgrading both CPU and Motherboard.

[TheVampdavid]

Perfect. Clear, concise and worked perfectly. Thank you for this!

[lanzsantos_]

Hello my gigabyte mobo failed and i bought a replacement a brand new asus strix. Is there a way for me to still use the old product key (the one i used for the gigabyte) or do i need to really purchase a fresh copy of windows for the my new asus mobo?

[yagnation]

if if change my activation key will my pc reset itself? my current windows installation has a problem

[NotPonoskas]

i have a problem, it says "check your internet connection and try it again later" someone help me?

[Melle]

So I'm about to upgrade my mobo, cpu and ram. Do I need to deactivate windows on that pc before I upgrade the hardware?

[burntbacn]

I just keep getting an error whenever I try to troubleshoot

[frosthound_]

bruh I can rercognize you from your accent, thanks for the vids

[nasser]

BRO YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER
THANK YOU SO MUCH

[CAROLINE-omly]

dude did this clean all your files?
my baby photos ist stil here

[fivepandas]

i literally installed more fans and this happens...