Can't Activate Windows After Switching Motherboard

Darren Beckford 20 Reputation points
2026-03-26T04:16:05.1633333+00:00

I can't activate Windows after switch my motherboard. I followed the steps by clicking Troubleshoot and each time I get an error to check my internet connection when I am connected to the internet

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Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
Answer accepted by question author
Ivan B 122K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-26T04:55:18.39+00:00

Hii,

What type of license do you have, Retail (FPP) or OEM?

If it's a retail license, is it digital or physical (25 digits)?

If you have an OEM license, which is usually a license tied to the hardware, and you change your motherboard you lose that license and have to buy a new one. If you bought a 25-digit OEM license, the rule applies. If you changed to the same motherboard, you use the activation method after the hardware change; if it's different, it's a new license.

Generally, OEM licenses come from pre-built computers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, especially laptops.

If it's a digital license(FPP), follow the reactivation procedure after the hardware change.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reativando-o-windows-ap%C3%B3s-uma-altera%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-hardware-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

If it's a 25-digit (FPP) license

If you have a 25-digit license, make a note of the license key with ShowKeyPlus.

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pkvzcprx9nv?hl=pt-BR&gl=BR

After writing down the product key, disconnect from the internet. Open the Command Prompt (as an administrator) and run the slmgr /upk command. Wait for the message to appear that the product key has been uninstalled and restart your PC.

After restarting, open the Start menu > Settings > System > Activation > Change Product Key. Enter your 25-digit product key and wait for the activation to complete. After that, connect to the internet

If this doesn't work, the best way to contact Microsoft is via home chat. Click on the link below and type "Windows". Below that, you will find the "Contact Support" option.

Enter your details to open the chat. A Microsoft representative will then help you.

https://support.microsoft.com/home/contact

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Thanks

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  1. Darren Beckford 20 Reputation points
    2026-03-26T14:14:24.9333333+00:00

    Hey all, thanks for your answers. I tried all of the above and it failed. I had another product key that I had purchased so I tried that and it is now activated. 🙌

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  2. Kapil Arya 38,271 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-26T07:11:41.4433333+00:00

    Ensure device is connected to the Internet.

    Please run Network Adapter troubleshooter from Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters to verify network issues first.

    Then you should be able to select I changed hardware on this recently.

    I changed hardware on this device recently

    Keep us posted!

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