Lost windows during mobo swap

Peter Tran 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T15:37:07.3133333+00:00

In 2021, I bought windows 10/11 pro. I was having os and mobo problems with my pc. I had to swap out mobo, in 2023. I lost my windows. but cant install on my pc to activate my windows. I see it on my purchase history. How do i activate my windows, so i can update to windows 11? I have no product key, only an order number.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Emma1-N 12,810 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-16T03:32:03.28+00:00

    Welcome Peter Tran,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A.

    To better understand your situation, could you please confirm the following:

    • Is the Windows license shown in your Microsoft account order history as a digital purchase from Microsoft Store?
    • Are you currently signed in to Windows with the same Microsoft account that was used to purchase the license?
    • What activation status or error code do you see under Settings > System > Activation?
    • Which edition is currently installed on the PC: Windows 10/11 Home or Windows 10/11 Pro?

    A motherboard replacement is considered a significant hardware change, so the activation method depends on how the original license was purchased and linked to your Microsoft account.

    I look forward to your reply.

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