Restarting Windows following a hardware modification
Restarting Windows following a hardware modification
I switched the computer's hardware and attempted to use the same activation key. Microsoft told me it was a Windows 8 key even though I had used it for Windows 10 four months earlier. It’s Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, but the key worked on Windows 10. When I contacted Microsoft, they confirmed it was still a Windows 8 key. I checked the activation settings again, but it didn’t work.
The motherboard is linked to the key and functions on Windows 10 after an update. It was previously free, but now reinstalling Windows 10 might require a different key. The new setup will only see it as Windows 8. It seems the free upgrade isn't as generous since it won't work with your new hardware. They might issue a new key, though that's unlikely.
After conversion, the setup will launch Windows 10 smoothly. Initially it was a Windows 8 license, but the process transforms it and links it to Windows 10 once you switch on.
I've reached out to the motherboard and they haven't provided any assistance.
After swapping the motherboard, it will only accept the Windows 8 key again. The free upgrade to Windows 10 only affects the board that was used during the change. Once Windows 10 is installed, the key functions like a Windows 10 key since the board will be linked to that serial number and display the updated version. The new board ID remains separate from the update applied.
Check if the key is linked to Windows 8. If it is, it should work with that version. Alternatively, connecting it to your Microsoft account lets you log in and the system will activate automatically.