Windows 10 Windows 10 Activation

M

mmshipon

Senior Member

Joined

Dec 18, 2014

Messages

6

• May 29, 2017

Thread Author #1

Quick question. If I build a new PC and move the hard drive from my old unit to the new one, will the activation code still be valid? Isn't it based on the computer's configuration (MB, CPU, etc)?


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Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team

Staff member

Joined

Jul 4, 2015

Messages

8,995

• May 29, 2017

#2

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

 

Sonny

Fantastic Member

Joined

Nov 17, 2009

Messages

1,386

• May 29, 2017

#3

You will probably have call Microsoft and explain to them that you got a knew motherboard and it is not activating. If that is the case they will give you a new key to activate it. I had that problem when I changed out motherboards in mine.

 

M

mmshipon

Senior Member

Joined

Dec 18, 2014

Messages

6

• May 29, 2017

Thread Author #4

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated!


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trstick1

Active Member

Joined

Nov 24, 2016

Messages

165

• May 30, 2017

#5

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.

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M

mmshipon

Senior Member

Joined

Dec 18, 2014

Messages

6

• Jun 4, 2017

Thread Author #6

Just a follow-up... If I swapped my current system drive to my new PC, will it check and change the system drivers automatically or must I do a clean install of windows 10, and reinstall all my other applications again?


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Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team

Staff member

Joined

Jul 4, 2015

Messages

8,995

• Jun 4, 2017

#7

Windows should re-evaluate your hardware and the key will not be activated for the "new device" as far as it's concerned.

 

M

mmshipon

Senior Member

Joined

Dec 18, 2014

Messages

6

• Jun 12, 2017

Thread Author #8

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!


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