0xC004C060 error reactivating after new hardware installed

Question

0xC004C060 error reactivating after new hardware installed

TODD NORTON 20

0xC004C060 error reactivating after new hardware installed, now two devices with the same name show up in windows linked devices. Cannot activate Windows 11

EmilyS726 260.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-25T14:08:22.5933333+00:00

Hello,

How did you obtain your license initially?

Did it come with the device preinstalled, or did you purchase it?

If you purchased it, did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?

Is it originally a Win7/8 key?

Just to make sure, is motherboard changed?
TODD NORTON 20 Reputation points

2026-07-25T20:16:59.93+00:00

The original license was a Windows 10 OEM from a third party. I did the Windows 11 pro upgrade when it was rolled out on line. I recently had a lightning storm hit, and I had to replace the motherboard (with an identical make/model) graphics card (with an upgraded model) and I lost one of the memory modules (now running on one module instead of two). I could not get the system working without re-installing Windows 11 pro. Installation media downloaded from Microsoft.
Neil D 34,110 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-26T10:14:15.4466667+00:00

When you original licence is OEM and upgraded to Pro edition using a Home to Pro upgrade then the resulting Pro licence is OEM.

The result is a licence without transfer rights. If you have a Pro upgrade licence you cannot just install Pro edition. If you want to do that you will need a full Pro licence.

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Your answer

EmilyS726 260.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-25T14:08:22.5933333+00:00

Hello,

How did you obtain your license initially?

Did it come with the device preinstalled, or did you purchase it?

If you purchased it, did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?

Is it originally a Win7/8 key?

Just to make sure, is motherboard changed?
TODD NORTON 20 Reputation points

2026-07-25T20:16:59.93+00:00

The original license was a Windows 10 OEM from a third party. I did the Windows 11 pro upgrade when it was rolled out on line. I recently had a lightning storm hit, and I had to replace the motherboard (with an identical make/model) graphics card (with an upgraded model) and I lost one of the memory modules (now running on one module instead of two). I could not get the system working without re-installing Windows 11 pro. Installation media downloaded from Microsoft.
Neil D 34,110 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-26T10:14:15.4466667+00:00

When you original licence is OEM and upgraded to Pro edition using a Home to Pro upgrade then the resulting Pro licence is OEM.

The result is a licence without transfer rights. If you have a Pro upgrade licence you cannot just install Pro edition. If you want to do that you will need a full Pro licence.

Answer 1

EmilyS726 260.1K Independent Advisor

Thank you for the information.

The installation media itself is not the problem - it is for installation purposes only, not for activation.

The true issue here is the OEM license type. Per licensing terms, OEM license locks in on the motherboard it activates on, and cannot be transfered to another device. Only retail license can be transfered. This is explained in this Microsoft document about OEM license rules and restrictions https://download.microsoft.com/download/6/a/1/6a1647ee-3fc7-47f2-9afe-470ad5e5d856/oemsoftwarelicensingrulesandrestrictions.pdf

TODD NORTON 20 Reputation points

2026-07-27T00:22:11.2633333+00:00

Thank you. I thought there might have been to many hardware components changed.

Regards.