Windows activation after replacing the motherboard
Windows ties activation to your hardware, and the motherboard matters most. After a swap, Windows may say it is not activated.
What decides the outcome
- Retail: the licence can move. Reactivate it on the new board.
- OEM: tied to the first PC. A board replaced under warranty is usually fine, an upgrade usually is not.
Before the swap
Link the licence to your account and save your key.
Way 1: troubleshooter
On the Activation page open Troubleshoot, pick “I changed hardware”, sign in and select the device.
Way 2: enter the key again
Use Change product key with your Retail key.
Way 3: phone
See our phone activation guide.
Do I need a new licence after adding RAM or an SSD?
No. Those changes normally do not affect activation.