Windows is activated, but says that I need to activate it

[rwhite025]

Hey, so I just got a new motherboard, cpu, and ram for christmas. I swapped everything out and now it says on the bottom right of the screen: "Activate Windows; go to settings to activate windows." I have used this PC for a little over a year, and I bought a copy of windows and installed it first when I built it. I need to know how I can get rid of this message and "activate windows" I do not have my product key anymore and I don't want to buy a new copy.

Thanks in advance - R

 

[bignastyid]

Did you tie your license to your windows account before replacing the motherboard? If not the license was likly tied to the old board and you'll need to contact Microsoft, but if you lost your coa you might be sol.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Swapping out the hardware, in particular, the motherboard, deactivates Windows. Just go ahead and reactivate.

Now for the bad news. Depending on which Windows Version you're running and how you log in, a new Windows license may be required. OEM versions of Windows are tied to the motherboard you first installed it on. It cannot be transferred to another computer for use (per the license agreement - Microsoft may allow it anyway). The only exception to this is Windows 10 post Anniversary Edition and only if your license is tied to your Microsoft Account (you log into your computer using your MS account).

Otherwise, you're stuck purchasing a new Windows License.

-Wolf sends

 

[rwhite025]

Swapping out the hardware, in particular, the motherboard, deactivates Windows. Just go ahead and reactivate.

Now for the bad news. Depending on which Windows Version you're running and how you log in, a new Windows license may be required. OEM versions of Windows are tied to the motherboard you first installed it on. It cannot be transferred to another computer for use (per the license agreement - Microsoft may allow it anyway). The only exception to this is Windows 10 post Anniversary Edition and only if your license is tied to your Microsoft Account (you log into your computer using your MS account).

Otherwise, you're stuck purchasing a new Windows License.

-Wolf sends

How do I tell if I have the anniversary edition?

 

[rwhite025]

Did you tie your license to your windows account before replacing the motherboard? If not the license was likly tied to the old board and you'll need to contact Microsoft, but if you lost your coa you might be sol.

I will try and contact Microsoft, thank you.

 

[USAFRet]

How do I tell if I have the anniversary edition?

From a command line, type winver
It will display this:

 

[rwhite025]

How do I tell if I have the anniversary edition?

From a command line, type winver
It will display this:

good news! I have the anniversary edition! Thank you!

 

[Karadjgne]

Just make sure to explain that you swapped motherboard since it was a gift, and it's most definitely not a whole new 2nd pc. Since licenses are tied to the mobo, it's Microsoft's way of ensuring that someone doesn't make multiple copies on a single license. Microsoft has been really good about this in the past as long as they are sure it's an upgrade/replacement

 

[rwhite025]

Just make sure to explain that you swapped motherboard since it was a gift, and it's most definitely not a whole new 2nd pc. Since licenses are tied to the mobo, it's Microsoft's way of ensuring that someone doesn't make multiple copies on a single license. Microsoft has been really good about this in the past as long as they are sure it's an upgrade/replacement

That sounds good, do you know where and how I can contact microsoft? (sorry, I'm a noob)

 

[Wolfshadw]

How do I tell if I have the anniversary edition?

From a command line, type winver
It will display this:

good news! I have the anniversary edition! Thank you!

Then as long as you use your Microsoft Account to log into your computer, the license is attached to your account and not the motherboard.

-Wolf sends

 

[rwhite025]

How do I tell if I have the anniversary edition?

From a command line, type winver
It will display this:

good news! I have the anniversary edition! Thank you!

Then as long as you use your Microsoft Account to log into your computer, the license is attached to your account and not the motherboard.

-Wolf sends

Ok, so I just tried to activate windows, and it says that I don't have a windows copy tied to the account. Do you know how I can try another account??

 

[Karadjgne]

Call Microsoft. They'll set up a remote link (with your permission) and walk you through any necessary steps.

 

[USAFRet]

Ok, so I just tried to activate windows, and it says that I don't have a windows copy tied to the account. Do you know how I can try another account??

You needed to link that OS license to the MS account before you changed the hardware.
Now, your only recourse is to contact Microsoft.

 

[rwhite025]

Call Microsoft. They'll set up a remote link (with your permission) and walk you through any necessary steps.

Ok, thank you.

 

[Wolfshadw]

LOL... What they said!

-Wolf sends