Was the licence an original Windows 10 licence or an upgrade from Windows 7 or 8. If it was originally one of these Microsoft do not allow activation using an upgrade licence.
Error Code 0x803FABB8 - Reactivating after Device Change
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Ethan
0
Reputation points
Hello, I need help getting in contact with someone in support to help me with my reactivation.
I just upgraded to a new motherboard, cpu, and did an ssd wipe. Thought it would be simple to transfer my account to my fresh install as it's linked to my Microsoft account. I went through the steps to reactivate with the troubleshooter, called the automated support line with the installation id, looked through a dozen self help pages and I can't get it to work. I was a dumb kid when I first got windows 10 and threw out the box with the product key after the first install. If anyone knows how to fix this I'd appreciate the help.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
2 answers
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Neil D 33,095 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2025-11-03T18:56:51.5833333+00:00 -
Ethan 0 Reputation points
2025-11-04T03:46:01.1566667+00:00 The original product key was windows 10, should I try downgrading to windows 10 and then try activating my device?
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Neil D 33,095 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-11-04T11:00:44.5466667+00:00 No that is not necessary. A Windows 10 licence can be used to activate Windows 11. When you used the activation troubleshooter did you see your old system when you selected changed hardware?
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Ethan 0 Reputation points
2025-11-04T23:46:59.8633333+00:00 Sorry for the image spam but here's the steps I'm doing, and now I'm getting another error code 0x803FABC3
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Neil D 33,095 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-11-05T09:24:09.8133333+00:00 If you select the activate Windows button what happens next?
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Nick Jackson 0 Reputation points2026-02-22T02:30:01.34+00:00 I purchased windows 11 on November 5 2025
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Neil D 33,095 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-02-22T09:54:23.64+00:00 @Nick Jackson Please start your own new thread. This is an old thread and may not be picked up for new comments.
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Anonymous2025-11-03T16:50:53.3766667+00:00 Hi Ethan,
Since you wiped your SSD and don’t have the original product key.
Go to Settings > System > Activation and check if it says “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.”
If it is linked, click Troubleshoot and choose “I changed hardware on this device recently.”
Sign in with your Microsoft account and select your device from the list.
Here's some link on how to reactivate your windows https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665.
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Ethan 0 Reputation points
2025-11-04T03:44:58.3+00:00 I've tried going through these steps and this is how I got the error code itself, the Microsoft account I'm using now is the one that has all my devices on it. The troubleshooter will just tell me I can't activate now and to try again later.
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Anonymous
2025-11-05T14:16:01.7033333+00:00 If the troubleshooter keeps giving you that message, it usually means the automatic activation isn’t working and the license needs to be verified manually. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227
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