Windows 10 Activation Issue

[InfernalPhantom]

So I have recently reinstalled windows 10 onto my computer (From windows 10 to windows 10 again) and I wiped my HDD so it can reformat properly for the windows installation. After the install I then needed to reactivate my windows by putting in my product key, after searching physically inside and all over my computer I cannot seem to find any key to activate my windows licences. (When I bought my computer it had windows 8 then I upgraded to windows 10 for free without problem) I am currently suck, Thanks.

 

[InfernalPhantom]

No emails I bought this system from HP and it came with windows 8 then I upgraded to windows 10, later I reinstalled the operating system (Wiping the drive) and now it wont activate and yes I am logged in with the same account as before.

 

[USAFRet]

So I have recently reinstalled windows 10 onto my computer (From windows 10 to windows 10 again) and I wiped my HDD so it can reformat properly for the windows installation. After the install I then needed to reactivate my windows by putting in my product key, after searching physically inside and all over my computer I cannot seem to find any key to activate my windows licences. (When I bought my computer it had windows 8 then I upgraded to windows 10 for free without problem) I am currently suck, Thanks.

You had Win 8
You Upgraded to Win 10
It was then properly activated?

If so, no problem.

You now have what is known as a 'digital entitlement'. Rather than the old school 'license key'.
This info is stored at the mothership. It is a hash of your old Win 8 license and data from you your hardware.
There is no real 'license key' for his.

During the reinstall of Win 10, when it asks for the license key, you select "I don't have one".
Later, when the system actually goes online, it will activate.

 

[InfernalPhantom]

I upgraded to windows 10 no problem. I have changed my hardware like the mobo and made my new build which is what is having the activation problems. I thought with my old system before the new system with the new mobo it would link my microsoft account with my windows and all I would have to do is to just log in and it would activate

 

[USAFRet]

I upgraded to windows 10 no problem. I have changed my hardware like the mobo and made my new build which is what is having the activation problems. I thought with my old system before the new system with the new mobo it would link my microsoft account with my windows and all I would have to do is to just log in and it would activate

OK, that's different than just a reinstall of the OS.
For major hardware changes, see this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

(you should have done that before the hardware change)

 

[InfernalPhantom]

And how exactly would I have had linked my microsoft account with my windows 10. I thought all you had to do is just add your account (which is what I did)

 

[USAFRet]

And how exactly would I have had linked my microsoft account with my windows 10. I thought all you had to do is just add your account (which is what I did)

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
"In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard."
...
"To add your Microsoft account and link it to the digital license:"

Then do what it says.
You must be signed in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account.

 

[InfernalPhantom]

Just activated my windows by contacting support, gave them my detail and every thing is okay. For others who have this problem just go to the link https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/en-gb/contact/menu/software/windows/setup/ and select chat, tell him your scenario and it should be fine!

 

[Rocky Bennett]

Or just go to the start menu in Windows 10 and click on Contact Support. Much easier.