I'm trying to activate windows after changing hardware.

Question

I'm trying to activate windows after changing hardware.

Alex M 0

I've recently built a new computer but I'm using an SSD from a previous build with the windows installation on it. I've followed the steps to got to Settings->Activation->Troubleshoot->I changed hardware on this device recently but the pop up on that link doesn't show up. Is there an alternative method to activating Windows? I have a confirmation email from when I bought it from the Windows store back in 2020 but I do not see a product key within.

3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

EmilyS726 186.4K Independent Advisor

Can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!

Alex M 0 Reputation points

2025-12-06T21:33:07.1266667+00:00

Thank you for responding
EmilyS726 186.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-06T21:35:15.34+00:00

Thanks Alex. I see you have the Pro digital license.

Can you tell me though - is it a full license, or upgrade license? Do you recall how much you paid, you can get that info from your account's order history.
Alex M 0 Reputation points

2025-12-06T21:40:57.5133333+00:00

I believe a full license. I paid $199.

Answer 2

That's indeed a full license then.

The activation is the right way to reactivate Windows. But since it doesn't come up after you click on it, you might want to do a repair install first considering you just pop the SSD into the new hardware environment.

To perform a repair installation of Windows 10 using the Windows Media Creation Tool:

The following steps should be done on a working Windows computer:

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website. https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC."

Choose your language, edition, and architecture (32 or 64-bit) and select "Next."

Choose "USB flash drive" as the media to use for the installation and select "Next."

Connect a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space to your computer.

Select the USB flash drive you want to use, and then select "Next."

The tool will then download the required files and create the installation media.

=====================================================

Now these steps will be done on your problematic computer:

Go to the USB drive via File Explorer, locate and run the Setup.exe file. Ideally, you should disconnect all USB and Bluetooth devices other than mouse and keyboard. Disable any 3rd party antivirus program. Disconnect the internet.

Once you run the Setup.exe file, choose the Install option, and the choose the option that keeps your files and apps.

============

Once repair install is done, go to Settings > System > Activation, run the troubleshooter, choose the hardware change option. When it asks you where it is installed on right now, you should choose the old device name. Then click on Activate button. And on the next screen when it asks you where to transfer it to, choose your new device name. See if that does the trick.

Answer 3

Alex M 0

Following the steps has unfortunately not resolved this issue. Although the error that displays on the Activation page is slightly different.

User's image

EmilyS726 186.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-07T01:01:44.72+00:00

Since you have purchase proof in your account, I think you will need manual activation.

To get help, open the "Get Help" app on your computer (just search for it in the Start menu). or go to https://support.microsoft.com/contactus, Type "Billing" and press Enter. On the next screen, click "Contact support" at the bottom of the page, then choose "Windows" > "Manage my subscription". You’ll then see the option to chat with a Microsoft support agent

Share via

I'm trying to activate windows after changing hardware.

3 answers

Your answer