WINDOWS10 ACTIVATION

Replacing the motherboard is treated as a significant hardware change, so Windows 10 may no longer find the license that was previously associated with the device.

Use this path first:

1. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. If the troubleshooter cannot fix it, select the link to reactivate after a hardware change.
4. This requires signing in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to the digital license before the motherboard was replaced.

If there was a product key used on the PC before the hardware change:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
2. Select Change product key.
3. Enter that 25-character key.

Important cases:

• If Windows was preinstalled by the PC manufacturer (OEM) and the motherboard was replaced, a new license is required unless the original manufacturer replaced the motherboard for that device. If the OEM replaced it, the PC should reactivate automatically. If not, check whether the OEM provided a COA card with a 25-character key and enter it through Activation > Change product key.
• If this is effectively the first activation on a new motherboard/device, Windows 10 needs a valid product key to activate.
• The installed edition must match the license. For example, Windows 10 Home will not activate a Windows 10 Pro installation.

If the troubleshooter and reactivation path do not work, contact customer support.

References:

• Fix Windows 10 activation error 0x803F7001
• Activate Windows
• Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter
• Reactivating Windows after a hardware change