If you recently made a significant hardware change to your device, such as replacing the motherboard, Windows might no longer be activated on your device.
If you linked your Microsoft account to your Windows 10 digital license on the device before you make the hardware change, you can reactivate Windows using your sign in info:
- In the troubleshooter, select I changed hardware on this device recently, and then select Next.
- Enter your Microsoft account and password, and then select Sign in. You’ll also need to enter the password for your local account if the Microsoft account you entered isn’t a connected account.
- From the list of devices that are linked to your Microsoft account, select the device that you’re currently using, select the check box next to This is the device I’m using right now, and then select Activate.
If you don’t see the device you’re using in the list of results, make sure that you’re signed in using the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on your device.
If you’re signed in using the correct Microsoft account, here are some additional reasons why you can’t reactivate Windows:
- The edition of Windows on your device doesn’t match the edition of Windows you linked to your digital license.
- The type of device you’re activating doesn’t match the type of device you linked to your digital license.
- Windows was never activated on your device.
- You reached the limit on the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your device.
- Your device has more than one administrator, and a different administrator already reactivated Windows.
- Your device is managed by your organization and the option to reactivate Windows isn’t available. For help with reactivation, contact your organization’s support person.
If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contact customer support.
For more info about how to add your Microsoft account and link it to your Windows 10 digital license, see Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change.
