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I changed my motherboard and Windows 11 won’t activate

Kalle - 0 Reputation points
2025-12-05T11:53:07.7766667+00:00

Hello.

I started to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 => activation worked
Then I changed motherboard + memories + processor with tpm2 support => activation worked with changed hardware -option
Then after some days later above motherboard crashed, I changed it to similar one => activation not worked anymore (even with changed hardware -option).

In settings, Activation state says
We can't activate Windows on this device right now. You can try activating again later or go to the Store to buy genuine Windows. Error code: 0x803FABC3.

I tried activation with hardware changed -way, but not work. Logging in account, but text shows below

Unable to activate Windows

We can't reactivate Windows as our servers aren't available right now. Wait for a few minutes or try adding your Microsoft account again.

I didn't found any customer support chat, and our local phone support based on automatic customer support, which didn't understand case above.

What to do next to get Activation work?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-05T11:53:20.3233333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It seems you are experiencing issues with Windows activation after changing your motherboard. The error code 0x803FABC3 typically indicates that Windows cannot verify the activation due to hardware changes or issues with the activation servers.

    Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

    1. Check Internet Connection: Ensure that your device is connected to the internet, as Windows needs to communicate with Microsoft’s servers for activation.
    2. Use the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select Troubleshoot. This can help identify and resolve activation issues.
    3. Re-enter Product Key: If you have a product key, try re-entering it. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and select Change product key.
    4. Wait and Retry: Sometimes, the activation servers may be temporarily unavailable. Wait for a while and try activating again.
    5. Contact Microsoft Support: Since you mentioned difficulties with local support, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support through their official website or social media channels for assistance.
    6. Check for Firmware-Embedded Activation Key: If your device has a firmware-embedded activation key, ensure that it is recognized by the system. This is crucial for automatic activation after hardware changes.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows or using a different activation method.

    References:

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  2. Alexandr S 100.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T12:32:35.26+00:00

    Hello, Kalle.

    Not all types of licenses have the right to transfer to another device, and replacing the motherboard is considered a new device. Please specify how Windows was obtained - as a pre-installed (OEM) or as a standalone version purchased separately from the PC (BOX or ESD)?

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