reactivate windows stuck on troubleshooter bulk activation

To reactivate Windows after upgrading your motherboard, you may encounter issues if the new board is associated with a bulk license that you cannot use. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the activation issue:

1. Change Product Key: If you have a valid product key (such as a Retail key or a valid Multiple Activation Key), you can change your product key to one that is valid for your current hardware setup. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key.
2. Use Phone Activation: If online activation fails, you can try activating Windows by phone. Open a command prompt and run slmgr /dti to get your Installation ID. Then, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Center to obtain a Confirmation ID.
3. Check Windows Marker: Ensure that your new motherboard has a valid Windows marker in the ACPI_SLIC table. If the marker is corrupted or missing, it may prevent activation.
4. Contact Microsoft Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue with the above steps, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help with activation issues related to hardware changes.
5. Legalization Licensing Solutions: If your system is not activated due to licensing issues, you may need to purchase a qualifying Windows license or use a Get Genuine Agreement to correct improper licensing.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the activation issue after your motherboard upgrade.

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft community and explaining what’s going on. I’d be happy to help you get this resolved.

First, could you confirm something for me: was your previous Windows license a retail or digital license linked to your Microsoft account, or was it an OEM license tied to your old motherboard? This is important because if it was retail or digital and linked to your account, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate. If it was OEM, it can’t be transferred, and you’ll need a new license.

The reason you’re stuck is that your old motherboard’s license was tied to its hardware ID, and the new board came with a bulk or volume license, which isn’t valid for your personal Windows installation.

Here’s what you can do. Start by checking your license type. Press Win + R, type cmd, and run slmgr /dli. If it says RETAIL, it’s transferable. If it says OEM or VOLUME, it’s not.

If it’s transferable, go to Settings > System> Activation, click Troubleshoot, and select “I changed hardware on this device recently.” Sign in with the same Microsoft account linked to your old PC, choose your old device from the list, and click Activate.

If that doesn’t work, you have a few options. You can enter a valid retail product key under Change product key. You can also try phone activation by running slmgr /dti to get your Installation ID, then call Microsoft Activation Center to get a Confirmation ID. If all else fails, contact Microsoft Support and explain that you upgraded your motherboard and your previous license was retail or digital. They can often help reactivate if you meet the requirements.

If your license was OEM or volume, based, unfortunately, it can’t be migrated, and you’ll need to purchase a new Windows license from the Microsoft Store.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes.

Kind regards,

Edward

Hello,

Thank you for your update.

Here’s the situation: when you replace your motherboard, Windows generally treats this as a new device. If your previous activation was tied to a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you can usually reactivate it, provided the license is transferable, such as a Retail or Microsoft Store purchase. Unfortunately, OEM or Volume/Bulk licenses cannot be moved to new hardware. Since your new motherboard came with a bulk license, that key is intended for organizational use and cannot be applied for personal activation. This explains why the troubleshooter isn’t working and why your Microsoft account does not display the product key.

To resolve this, try using the Activation Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, select Troubleshoot, and then choose I changed hardware on this device recently. Sign in with your Microsoft account and select your previous device from the list.

If the old device does not appear, it means the license was never linked to your account or was an OEM/Volume license. In that case, you will need a new product key. If you previously had a Retail key but cannot locate it, check your purchase history at Microsoft Account Services & Subscriptions. If you purchased Windows from the Microsoft Store, the key should be listed there.

If your license was linked to your Microsoft account, the troubleshooter should allow reactivation. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new license or enter a valid Retail key.

I hope this helps. Please let me know how it goes I’ll be happy to assist further if needed.

Best regards,

Edward