Can't reactivate Windows after motherboard change despite having a digital license linked to my MS account.

[Schytheron]

So I recently changed the motherboard on my PC and now it says that my Windows is not activated. "Thats fine" I thought and I went into the Settings to reactivate Windows (I am signed into my MS account on the PC). On the page it says that I need to buy a new copy of Windows in the store or change the product key (I don't have a Windows product key because I upgraded to Windows 10 when it was free). I decided to click on the link in the bottom to open up the Windows activation troubleshooter and it just says: "Troubleshooting has completed. We weren't able to activate Windows on this device. You can activate the device by going to the Store and purchasing a genuine copy of Windows.". At the bottom there was a link that says "I changed my hardware recently" so I clicked on it. It opened up a list of devices that are connected to my Microsoft account (total of 2 devices). One laptop (my school laptop) and one PC device. I selected the PC device and clicked "Activate". It just said "We can't reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later"! I have changed motherboards on this PC before and have had no issue with this whatsoever. What is the problem?

Worth noting that if I log in to my Microsoft account at Microsoft.com and list my devices it lists 3 devices instead of 2. Two PC's and a laptop. The two PC devices have the exact same name but one of them seems to have a more recent version of Windows (I updated my Windows yesterday, the very same day I installed the new motherboard).

EDIT: I would have contacted Microsoft to resolve this issue but its a weekend and their support is closed.

 

[bignastyid]

Was the copy of windows you upgraded from Retail, oem or preinstalled oem?

 

[USAFRet]

"We can't reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later"

I have had that exact same thing. Just wait...it will go through eventually.

 

[Schytheron]

Was the copy of windows you upgraded from Retail, oem or preinstalled oem?

Retail

 

[bignastyid]

Then as USAFRet suggested try again later. If it still won't activate you'll have to contact Microsoft.

 

[Schytheron]

Then as USAFRet suggested try again later. If it still won't activate you'll have to contact Microsoft.

Can it have something do to with Windows 10 license being used on multiple devices? Does Microsoft have a limit on how many devices can use the same Windows license? I have 2 PC (non-laptop, 3 in total) devices showing up when I sign into Microsoft.com and I am suspecting that one of them is my "old PC" (the one with the old motherboard). Maybe if I remove that device I will be able to activate. Is it safe to remove a device?

 

[USAFRet]

Then as USAFRet suggested try again later. If it still won't activate you'll have to contact Microsoft.

Can it have something do to with Windows 10 license being used on multiple devices? Does Microsoft have a limit on how many devices can use the same Windows license? I have 2 PC (non-laptop, 3 in total) devices showing up when I sign into Microsoft.com and I am suspecting that one of them is my "old PC" (the one with the old motherboard). Maybe if I remove that device I will be able to activate. Is it safe to remove a device?

Absolutely!
1 license, 1 PC.

 

[Rogue Leader]

I agree with USAFRet you should remove the old device and that may clear your issue.

 

[Colif]

Another choice is contact Microsoft and let them help you, as they can at least identify which PC is which, hate to remove wrong device from activation.