Question Where is my Windows key bound to?

[Kevin196_]

I built a PC 5 years ago and activated a copy of windows on that build, the only components of that PC I still have is the SSD I have sold the CPU, Mobo GPU etc. I still have the activated CD Key.

Is it possible for me to activate windows on a new build using the same SSD and that windows key?

 

[Lutfij]

You will need to reinstall the OS on the new platform and if you still own the license key, you should be able to activate it. If you own an OEM copy of the license then it's bound to the BIOS chip on your motherboard(that you got rid of). That's what I know.

 

[Kevin196_]

You will need to reinstall the OS on the new platform and if you still own the license key, you should be able to activate it. If you own an OEM copy of the license then it's bound to the BIOS chip on your motherboard(that you got rid of). That's what I know.

I don't think it was an OEM copy, I bought the key online. I still have the CD Key but when I enter it in the activation menu it doesn't work. Are CD Keys bound to Microsoft accounts? I have an Alienware laptop and I when I click troubleshoot in the settings, select 'I changed hardware on this device recently' I can see my laptop via the desktop

 

[Colif]

is pc still working?

look on settings/update & security/activation
what does it say there next to activation?

have a look here and set licence up to be linked to an email and you can move licence to new pc
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...e-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

You won't be able to move the dell licence. they are restricted to PC they came with. But a PC you made, you can move.

 

[USAFRet]

Where did you purchase the license key from?
Is this license linked to your MS account?

The SSD having Windows on it is a whole different question.
Likely you will need to do a full wipe and reinstall in the new hardware.
This (mostly) unrelated to the licensing issues.

 

[Kevin196_]

is pc still working?

look on settings/update & security/activation
what does it say there next to activation?

have a look here and set licence up to be linked to an email and you can move licence to new pc
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...e-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

You won't be able to move the dell licence. they are restricted to PC they came with. But a PC you made, you can move.

Says Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. Error code: 0xC004F213

 

[Kevin196_]

Where did you purchase the license key from?
Is this license linked to your MS account?

The SSD having Windows on it is a whole different question.
Likely you will need to do a full wipe and reinstall in the new hardware.
This (mostly) unrelated to the licensing issues.

I don't have Windows on the SSD, I assumed it was bound to the SSD because the Mobo and CPU has no storage. I can't remember where i got the key, was from an online store 5 years ago, I activated via the activation setting using the key.

 

[Colif]

try running the activation troubleshooter

some fixes = https://www.technipages.com/fix-activation-error-0xc004f213-windows-10

 

[USAFRet]

Is this SSD in a new system?
If so, did you do a full OS wipe and reinstall?

If you log on to your MS account, do you see the old system and the license there?