Hardware Upgrade, Windows will not active, On Old Hardware Windows is Active

Question

Hardware Upgrade, Windows will not active, On Old Hardware Windows is Active

James 5

Good Day.

I upgraded my PC motherboard and screen card, so that i can upgrade my windows 10 to windows 11.

I am still using the same SSD with the windows 10 pro OS.

Once my new setup starts up, the windows will not active it stated hardware changed detected. I tried the trouble shoot where you select hardware change and that also fails.

I tried various option of changing the product key using the one in the registry, i have spent hours trying to solve this. The online AI support is of no help,

If I revert back to my old mother board and start up, the windows activates no problem. I then check on the activation status in the settings and it states Windows is active with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. (This is on the old mother board and on the new mother board it states inactive). I tried to find my digital license but can not find that any where.

Can someone please point me in the right direction where i can get my new setup working with the windows active.

Keep safe.

Regards James

James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-21T09:45:46.34+00:00

AI Thank you for your response.

As i specifically stated in my original post, the AI is of no help and you have just proved my point again.

I have done every single step in your response with out success.

Obviously if i revert back to the old setup i can't upgrade to 11 as the hardware does not support windows 11 as I stated above.

As far as your option 1 goes I am using the same account.

As far as option 2 goes I get an error of version miss mach.

As far as option 3 goes I don't get any key when I run the command.

As far as option 4 goes no matter what I try am am always talking to a @#$%&* AI, I have searched for another contact method and can't find any.

If you can send me an email address where I can make contact with Microsoft Support, that would be great.

Regards James.

2 answers

Your answer

James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-21T09:45:46.34+00:00

AI Thank you for your response.

As i specifically stated in my original post, the AI is of no help and you have just proved my point again.

I have done every single step in your response with out success.

Obviously if i revert back to the old setup i can't upgrade to 11 as the hardware does not support windows 11 as I stated above.

As far as your option 1 goes I am using the same account.

As far as option 2 goes I get an error of version miss mach.

As far as option 3 goes I don't get any key when I run the command.

As far as option 4 goes no matter what I try am am always talking to a @#$%&* AI, I have searched for another contact method and can't find any.

If you can send me an email address where I can make contact with Microsoft Support, that would be great.

Regards James.

Answer 1

When you upgrade your motherboard and graphics card, Windows may detect this as a significant hardware change, which can affect the activation status. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the activation issue on your new setup:

Ensure Windows is Activated with a Digital License: Since your Windows 10 Pro is activated on the old motherboard, it is linked to your Microsoft account. Make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account on the new setup.
Use the Activation Troubleshooter: You mentioned trying the troubleshooter for hardware changes. If it didn't work, ensure you are following these steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Click on Troubleshoot and then select I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Follow the prompts to re-activate Windows.
Check for Firmware-Embedded Activation Key: If your device has a firmware-embedded activation key, you can check it using PowerShell. Open an elevated PowerShell prompt and run the command:
```
   (Get-CimInstance -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
```
If a key is displayed, you can try entering it manually in the activation settings.
Contact Microsoft Support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can help you verify your digital license and provide further guidance on activation issues related to hardware changes.
Revert Changes Temporarily: As a last resort, if you need immediate access to your system, you can revert to the old hardware setup, activate Windows, and then try the upgrade again while ensuring you follow the activation steps carefully.

By following these steps, you should be able to activate Windows on your new hardware setup.

References:

James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-21T09:48:17.8+00:00

AI Thank you for your response.

As i specifically stated in my original post, the AI is of no help and you have just proved my point again.

I have done every single step in your response with out success.

Obviously if i revert back to the old setup i can't upgrade to 11 as the hardware does not support windows 11 as I stated above.

As far as your option 1 goes I am using the same account.

As far as option 2 goes I get an error of version miss mach.

As far as option 3 goes I don't get any key when I run the command.

As far as option 4 goes no matter what I try I am always talking to a @#$%&* AI, I have searched for another contact method and can't find any.

If you can send me an email address where I can make contact with Microsoft Support, that would be great.

Regards James.

Answer 2

DaveM121 810.8K Independent Advisor

1

Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the original PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?

Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

2

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

3

Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

Please provide a screenshot of that app window and please hide your product key in the screenshot.

James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-21T14:51:47.64+00:00

Hi Dave.

Thank you for your prompt response.

To answer your first question, this is not an OEM or original PC, we bought the components back in the day for my Son 2018 - 2019. I bought the Licenses from a 3rd part retailer. Downloaded windows and then stalled it and activated no problem. I have in fact done a mother board upgrade and hard drive in the past with no issues. That is why i am baffled. with the current setup.

For the second question

This is from the old setup done last night

Here is the one i done on the new PC today

It looks more or less the same apart from the Trusted time and installation Id.

As for question 3.

This is from the new setup.

I can confirm the Installed key is the same as the one in the registry.

I see the windows is now updating (actually just finished) to windows 11 even though it was not active not sure if that is correct. It is now asking for a product key not sure what to do.

Thanks for your help.

Keep safe.

Regards James.
DaveM121 810.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-21T14:58:31.21+00:00

Thank you for that information, if the troubleshoot method to select 'I changed my hardware' and selecting the previously activated device is not resolving the problem, then you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly, they will be able to find the Windows licence linked to the account and reactivate Windows for you.
Neil D 29,975 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-11-21T15:16:25.61+00:00

When you bought the licence from the 3rd party did you receive a product key. The last 5 character shown are from a generic key that cannot be used to activate without a valid licence.
James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-22T15:45:59.4+00:00

Good day Dave, Neil.

@Niel. I did receive a email with the product key back in 2019, i don't have that email any more.

@Dave. I am at the point where i am willing to pay to contact some one at Microsoft that is not an AI response. No matter what i try to contact Microsoft support from my side i get redirected to an AI #@$#%$$# response and i get stuck in an endless loop. If any one can give me an email address where i can send Microsoft support an email and hopefully not communicate with an AI that will be great.

I tried their website, it goes straight to an AI response. That is why i used this forum to seek help.

keep safe.

Regards James.
Neil D 29,975 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-11-22T19:44:11.9966667+00:00

If you are able connect the SSD back to the old system so it is activated. Use ShowKeyPlus again. Does it give a product key other than the one ending in 3V66T?
Bruce (SqlWork.com) 81,971 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-11-22T19:54:32.6733333+00:00

It looks like a retail key. The issue is windows 11 expected you to register you key online with a windows account before upgrade (but you still can manually enter the key)

if you get you windows 10 running again try before upgrade:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227

it may just be easier to buy a new windows 11 license.
DaveM121 810.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-23T06:14:47.5066667+00:00

Their support is very hard to contact, open the Get Help app in Windows, then repeatedly ask the bot in that app to 'speak to a person' you may eventually get a link to speak to their support via live chat support.
James 5 Reputation points

2025-11-24T06:20:49.13+00:00

Hi All.

Thanks for your support and advice.

@Niel. Both setups showed the same key.

@Bruce. While connect to the new setup overnight The OS upgrade to Windows 11. I feel Bill Gate has enough money, he does not need any more from me. It is not just about the Money it is a matter of principle, It works on the Win 10 Setup but Not on the Win 11 setup, Microsoft forced us to go to Widows 11 so it should work.

@Dave. I will see if the new Windows 11 does not come right as it upgrade even when it was inactive. IF it stays as inactive i will keep on asking the AI to speak to a Human.

Keep safe.

Regards James.
DaveM121 810.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T06:36:06.67+00:00

Glad to help!

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Hardware Upgrade, Windows will not active, On Old Hardware Windows is Active

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