just swapped mobo

[TheWhiteFox975]

Just swapped my mobo out and now I have to re-activate my license key but it says that it’s not valid. Is there anything that I can do or do I have to buy a new key.

[airdeano]

welcome to the Linus Tech Tips forums!

 

depends on if the key used was a retail key or OEM key, which did you use?

OEM, then purchase another key or see if phone activation will work if the key used is not blocked.

retail ,then use the phone activation wizard or contact MS for support.

[i_build_nanosuits]

2 minutes ago, TheWhiteFox975 said:

Just swapped my mobo out and now I have to re-activate my license key but it says that it’s not valid. Is there anything that I can do or do I have to buy a new key.

call microsoft and talk them into activating your key...you probably had an OEM key which is only good for 1 machine, new motherboard = new machine for them.

[Enderman]

You needed to do this BEFORE changing the motherboard.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

[GrumpyNoodles]

you can go on ebay and get a license for $6-9 its "grey market" but it activates

[SupaKomputa]

1 hour ago, Enderman said:

You needed to do this BEFORE changing the motherboard.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

No need to do that, is adviseable though.

All you need to do is contact microsoft, say that you changed motherboard.

They will give you a new activation key.

i've done this many times.

[Enderman]

2 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

No need to do that, is adviseable though.

All you need to do is contact microsoft, say that you changed motherboard.

They will give you a new activation key.

i've done this many times.

Or, do it the proper way with an account and you don't need to deal with microsoft support.

Also there have been many cases where people are denied reactivation when they say they changed their motherboard, so just because it has worked for you doesn't mean it works 100% of the time.