How to reactivate Windows after a motherboard or hardware change
Windows ties its license to your PC's hardware, mostly the motherboard. After a big change it may say "Windows isn't activated". Here's how to get it back.
Updated 7 October 202601Which changes affect activation
- Usually fine: new graphics card, more RAM, a new SSD or hard drive, a new power supply.
- Usually needs reactivation: a new motherboard, or a repair that replaced the motherboard.
- Always needs a key or reactivation: moving Windows to a completely new PC (see how to transfer a Windows license).
The error you'll usually see is 0x803F7001 or 0xC004F213: Windows can't find a valid license for this hardware.
02Option 1: the Activation troubleshooter
This works if your license was linked to a Microsoft account before the hardware change.
- Sign in to Windows with the same Microsoft account you used before (Settings → Accounts → Your info). It must be an administrator account.
- Open Settings → System → Activation and click Troubleshoot.
- Choose I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Pick this PC from the list (tick This is the device I'm using right now) and click Activate.
03Option 2: enter your retail key again
A retail key can move with you to new hardware. Open Settings → System → Activation → Change product key and enter it again. If you bought it from us, the key is in your key email and in your account.
If Windows says the key has already been used, the old activation hasn't been released yet. Contact us with your order number and we'll help.
04Why OEM licenses don't come back
Most PCs from brands like Dell, HP or Lenovo come with an OEM license. It is locked to the original motherboard, so after a motherboard swap it doesn't reactivate, unless the repair shop used an identical replacement board from the manufacturer. In that case you need a new key: Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. More in Retail vs OEM vs Volume keys.
05Avoid this next time
- Link your license to a Microsoft account now: Settings → System → Activation should say "activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account".
- Keep your product key email somewhere safe. How to find your product key explains where else to look.
