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my computer's motherboard and CPU had to be replaced recently. so I had no chance to plan for this event. I was able to swap them out and get my original stuff running but it refuses to activate windows so I am stuck with the pre-activated limitation.
I assure you I tried every normal approach. I tried the trouble shoot button which leads to a dead end. I tried the activation ID number on the self activation portal and that didn't work. my account does have the purchase history of windows 10 back in 2020 before they pushed me to upgrade to 11 but shows no key of any kind. I am out of options and I need a way to reach out to Microsoft and speak to a person. the robotic phone calls only regurgitate the same steps I tried already
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Hi,
Just to be sure: did you purchase a digital license for Windows 10 in 2022?
Or
Was this license obtained by upgrading a PC from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 to Windows 10?
Also, is your current computer a pre-built PC from a manufacturer, or did you buy the parts and build it yourself, purchasing the license separately?
Is the Windows 10 version from 2020 the same edition as the one currently running on your PC?
Thanks.
I bought the digital license for Windows 10, it was for the then new computer. I built the computer myself and the license separately.
I took the free windows 11 upgrade when it was offered and that was working fine and was activated before I had to replace the motherboard
Hi,
You should be able to activate Windows using the "activation after hardware change" method. If that isn't working, please ensure you are using the same edition of Windows 10 or 11 that you originally purchased.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activation/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change
Since you mentioned that the "activation after hardware change" method isn't working, you should contact Microsoft Support to speak with an agent who can assist you with this issue.
The best way to contact Microsoft is via the Home chat. Access the link below and type "Windows"; a "Contact Support" option will appear below.
Enter your details to start the chat, and a Microsoft agent will assist you.
https://support.microsoft.com/home/contact
Please consider rating the question (accepting the answer or not) and visiting the Microsoft Q&A community if you have further questions.
Thanks.
