📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses transferring a Windows 10 installation to a new PC, specifically whether the activation remains valid after hardware changes like moving an SSD or replacing a motherboard. Initially, users clarify that hardware changes can impact activation, often requiring contacting Microsoft for a new key, with some explaining that digital licenses are tied to hardware profiles. The original poster confirms that after moving the SSD to a new PC and updating drivers, Windows 10 reactivated successfully, indicating that minor hardware updates may not prevent activation. Overall, the sentiment is informative and positive, emphasizing that Windows 10 can often be reactivated after hardware changes, especially with a digital license.
The thread discusses transferring a Windows 10 installation to a new PC, specifically whether the activation remains valid after hardware changes like moving an SSD or replacing a motherboard. Initially, users clarify that hardware changes can impact activation, often requiring contacting Microsoft for a new key, with some explaining that digital licenses are tied to hardware profiles. The original poster confirms that after moving the SSD to a new PC and updating drivers, Windows 10 reactivated successfully, indicating that minor hardware updates may not prevent activation. Overall, the sentiment is informative and positive, emphasizing that Windows 10 can often be reactivated after hardware changes, especially with a digital license.
If the license was not purchased through a retail store, such as through the Microsoft store app then it's not a product key. These types of licenses are called digital licenses and are are associated to your device based on a hardware profile. To reactivate after a significant hardware change. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
trstick1
Active Member
Sonny is correct. After a hard drive or motherboard change, you have to call Microsoft and they will give you a new key. There is a limit to how many hardware changes to a computer. Many years ago, l had a desktop computer and changed the hardware many times and they said l was over the limit and ended up going to a computer store and plunked down 300 dollars for a new windows 7 professional disk with key.
Sent from my LGMS631 using Tapatalk
Sent from my LGMS631 using Tapatalk
I built the new PC and moved the ssd from my old system to the new. Windows 10 started right away unactivated as expected, but I was able to activate it again (online) without a hitch. I then updated with new MB drivers. Works great!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
