Which changes affect activation
| Change | Typical effect |
|---|---|
| New SSD or hard drive (with reinstall) | Reactivates automatically from the digital license |
| More RAM, new graphics card | No effect |
| New CPU on the same motherboard | Usually no effect |
| New motherboard | Treated as a new PC; Windows shows "not activated" |
| Entirely new PC | Needs a license: move a retail key or buy a new one |
Retail license: reactivate on the new hardware
- Make sure the key is no longer in use on another PC.
- Open Settings › System › Activation.
- If you linked the license to a Microsoft account, select Troubleshoot, then I changed hardware on this device recently, sign in, and pick this device from the list.
- Otherwise, select Change product key and enter your retail key.
- If online activation refuses, try
slui 4for phone activation on supported builds. On newer builds where that option is unavailable, use the Windows Activation troubleshooter or Microsoft's activation support options.
OEM license: stays with the old board
OEM licenses belong to the PC they first activated, and Windows identifies that PC by its motherboard. After a board replacement, an OEM license usually can't be reactivated. An exception can apply when a faulty board is replaced under warranty or repair with an equivalent one; in that case, contact the PC's builder. For a PC you'll keep upgrading, a retail key avoids this.
Prepare before you upgrade
- Sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account as an administrator, so the digital license is linked to your account.
- Check Settings › System › Activation says the license is linked.
- Keep your product key and purchase confirmation somewhere safe.