Trouble with Microsoft Activation

Question

Just recently I have hugely upgraded my PC, with different parts, and mainly a new motherboard. I've been trying to reactivate the account, but it keeps telling me the activation is invalid, and I need to purchase a new one.

I have searched, ran troubleshooters, re-entered the product key, tried calling customer support, but nothing has led me to trying to fix this.

Answer 1

Hi ,

I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

The process of activating Windows after a hardware change depends on the type of license you possess.

If your computer came preinstalled with an OEM license, the license was tied to your old motherboard and could not be transferred. You will need a new one for your new computer.

If you bought the product key separately and it was a retail key, try to reactivate it:

Settings > System > Activation > Change Product Key and enter the key that you have.

If it is a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, it should activate Windows automatically after signing in with your Microsoft account.

If it did not work, try to troubleshoot it by going to Start >System > Activation > Troubleshoot.

Reactivating Windows after a hardware change:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665#ID0EBD=Windows_10

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Answer 2

What is the history of the licence you are using.

Was it part of the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.

Was it provided by the original manufacturer of the system. (OEM)

Did you buy the licence separately from a custom built system.

To check the current licence open a Command prompt (Admin) and enter slmgr /dlv [press return] then post a screenshot of the result.

As a note you cannot use a generic key to activate without a valid licence.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/95922-generic-product-keys-install-windows-10-editions.html