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.