Starting windows post-hardware installation
Starting windows post-hardware installation
I recently enhanced my system significantly, moving from a Dell Inspiron 660s with an i3 2130 and Intel integrated to a Ryzen 7 1700 with a 660TI. I plan to keep it until GPU prices normalize again. The issue is that Windows (still on the same drive from the Inspiron, which came with Windows 8 but I upgraded to free Windows 10) doesn’t recognize this hardware change and thinks I’m using an unactivated copy. When I accessed troubleshooting, it couldn’t activate Windows. If I select “I changed hardware recently,” it displays my laptop as running Windows 10 but not the upgraded desktop. Could there be a solution or will I need a Windows 10 license?
Have you attempted phone activation? If you're using a drive from your laptop in the latest model, or even if it's a key, that won't function and you'll have to purchase a replacement. Edit: I initially got mixed up with the laptop, so disregard my final remark.
It seems the Windows 8 activation key is set correctly. It appears your laptop may be connected to a Microsoft account, but not necessarily your desktop.
Microsoft allows you to move keys between gadgets. Often it handles this on its own, but at times you must contact them.
It's possible your previous hardware wasn't connected to your Microsoft account. I faced a similar problem when setting up my new PC—old Windows was enabled but not linked to my account. Fortunately, I managed to boot the old motherboard, connect it properly, transfer the drive back to the new one, log in to the account, and complete the activation. This process worked with Windows 10 as well.
The Inspiron is connected to your Microsoft account. Visiting the Microsoft site and signing in displays it as one of your devices.
I think I understand your concern... Using an OEM Dell doesn't include a physical key; instead, the system embeds the key in the firmware, and Windows fetches it automatically during installation. From what I know, machines with built-in keys don't need to be activated or registered with Microsoft since the key is already part of the hardware. If the firmware changes and the key isn't embedded, Windows may struggle to recognize it. Even if you retrieve the old key, Microsoft would likely refuse to reactivate it because it's considered an embedded OEM key, requiring a new one. It seems you might be purchasing a fresh Windows key—please contact Microsoft first and explain your situation; they might not want to interfere. The risk is they could deny activation, but you'd need to budget accordingly.
Bingo! The OEM license cannot be transferred. You're only getting the Retail box version, which is why you pay a premium for it.