Can't activate Win 10 after hardware change (and no link to - Microsoft Community

as title implies, had change motherboard (old 1 fried).  win 10 activation not proceed activation license (what ever term is; free upgrade) not match new equipment.

the troubleshooter says use microsoft 'personal account' reactivate if had been linked win 10 license.  unfortunately, isn't had no idea feasible or existed.

i can't afford buy new win 10 , can't revert old equipment.  so, seems i'm out of luck.

anyone tell me different ?

you might have purchase new license.

when upgrade preinstalled (oem) or retail version of windows 7 or windows 8/8.1 license windows 10, license remain oem or become retail license?

if upgrade oem or retail version of windows 7 or windows 8/8.1 free windows 10 upgrade summer, license consumed it. because free upgrade derived base qualifying license, windows 10 carry licensing too.

if upgrade retail version, carries rights of retail version.

if upgrade oem version, carries rights of oem version.

full version (retail):

- includes transfer rights computer.

- doesn't require previous qualifying version of windows.

- expensive

upgrade version (retail):

- includes transfer rights computer.

- require previous qualifying version of windows.

- expensive, cheaper full version

oem :

oem versions of windows identical full license retail versions except following:

- oem versions not offer free microsoft direct support microsoft support personnel

- oem licenses tied first computer install , activate on

- oem versions allow hardware upgrades except upgrade different model motherboard

- oem versions cannot used directly upgrade older windows operating system

what happens if change motherboard?

as pertains to the oem license this invalidate windows 10 upgrade license because no longer have previous base qualifying license required free upgrade. have purchase full retail windows 10 license. if base qualifying license (windows 7 or windows 8.1) was full retail version, yes, can transfer it.

from windows 10 end user license agreement:

b. stand-alone software. if acquired software stand-alone software (and if upgraded software acquired stand-alone software), may transfer software device belongs you. may transfer software device owned else if (i) first licensed user of software , (ii) new user agrees terms of agreement. may use backup copy allow make or media software came on transfer software. every time transfer software new device, must remove software prior device. may not transfer software share licenses between devices.

Windows / Windows 10 / Install, upgrade, & activate / PC