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Windows reactivation fails

Scott Stewart 5 Reputation points
2025-11-12T02:18:16.9033333+00:00

I am having trouble reactivating my Windows after changing my motherboard.

I originally purchased a Retail license for Windows 10 Pro through the Microsoft store using my Microsoft account. On original setup it listed my Windows as activated with a digital license through my Microsoft account.

When I changed to my new motherboard, it listed that the hardware on my device had changed. I ran the activation troubleshooter and selected that I changed the hardware on my device but this failed repeatedly to reactivate my Windows. Sometimes it lists that the servers are not avaiable while other times it lists something along the lines of there being no machine to transfer the license from.

If I change back to my old motherboard then it still lists that my Windows is activated with a digital license through my Microsoft account.

It should be noted that neither of my setups (new motherboard and old motherboard) are listed as devices on my Microsoft account anymore. I unlinked the old setup thinking that would help the license transfer properly. All that happened is now both setups are not listed on my account.

I have tried to relink my computer to my account but have been unsuccessful using either motherboard. I tried switching my account to a local account and then back to my Microsoft account but that did not relink the computer. I believe the devices not being listed on my account may be linked to why I cannot transfer the license properly but there seems to be no way to actually resolve the issue.

So at this point I am lost at how to properly get this licensed transferred to use with my new motherboard.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation
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  1. Scott Stewart 5 Reputation points
    2025-11-12T03:48:14.9466667+00:00

    I was able to get in contact with support who were able to reactive my license for me.

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  1. James Owens 0 Reputation points
    2026-02-07T04:50:53.8366667+00:00

    I have had none of the above help. I need support tech to resolve issues. I will not pay again.

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  2. Alexandr S 104.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-12T03:58:22.8533333+00:00

    Hello, Scott Stewart.

    The Microsoft Store only sells upgrades from the Home Edition to the Professional Edition. This is not a full version, but an update. And it has a limitation, namely, the license is permanently linked to the PC on which this update was purchased and installed. At the same time, no unique key is sent when purchasing, and the well-known VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T key is used during activation. The replacement of the motherboard is considered a new device and the license for such an OS becomes invalid.

    The OS version sold not in the Microsoft Store, but on the Microsoft website is the full version, costing about $ 200, which has no transfer restrictions, and also has a unique activation key that is sent by E-mail after purchase.

    Please specify, did you make a purchase in the Microsoft Store or on the Microsoft website? Have you been sent a unique key? Take a screenshot of the page from the Purchase Log of your Microsoft account with information about the purchase of the OS (color over only personal and confidential data, leaving only the product name and cost). Also post a screenshot of the slmgr.vbs /dlv command window here.

    P.S. I'm sorry, you've already solved the problem while I was writing the message. I am very happy for you!

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