Windows 10 activation watermark since MB change

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Amecareth

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Feb 15, 2017
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Hi guys,

Very recently (a few days before the original posy), I've noticed that activation watermark where it tells me to activate my Windows in the settings. I've discovered it was because of a MB, cpu and ram change I had made like hours before the problem. This said, after searching some forums, the only solutions I've seen were either buy a new liscence or use the troubleshooter. Problem is, when going into "Update & Security" then "Activation", I don't have an "Add account" button. I then tried the troubleshooter and clicking on "I recently changed hardware on this device", it keeps telling me that there's no device linked to my account. So basically, I'm being stuck with the watermark while using my PC.

I first had another MB with a pre-activated Win 7 Home edition. I then used the free Win 10 upgrade on that same MB then changed to my current MB. Someone has an idea what's going on? Could a clean install of Win 10 fix my issue? I seriously don't wanna pay for a product I already gained the rights to use.

Thanks
 
Solution
bignastyid
If you were running a pre-installed OEM version of windows it was tied to the original motherboard. Options are buy a new license or you can contact Microsoft and plead your case, but the are under no obligation to allow the move. If you contact Microsoft you will likely need to find the win 7 product key that should have been with the system when you purchased it.
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captaincharisma

captaincharisma

Glorious
Oct 13, 2004
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first make sure yourwindows 10 is fully updated then call MS and tell them about the issue to see if they will activate it for you. if your copy of windows 10 was not linked to an account before the MB change then it may be going by the old rules where the free licence is only for the life of the PC which changing the MB will void
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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Jun 19, 2011
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If you were running a pre-installed OEM version of windows it was tied to the original motherboard. Options are buy a new license or you can contact Microsoft and plead your case, but the are under no obligation to allow the move. If you contact Microsoft you will likely need to find the win 7 product key that should have been with the system when you purchased it.
 
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Solution
JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

Titan
BANNED
Oct 30, 2004
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The appicable language appropriate for your situation is here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm


4. Transfer. The provisions of this section do not apply if you acquired the software as a consumer in Germany or in any of the countries listed on this site (aka.ms/transfer), in which case any transfer of the software to a third party, and the right to use it, must comply with applicable law.

a. Software preinstalled on device. If you acquired the software preinstalled on a device (and also if you upgraded from software preinstalled on a device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user, only with the licensed device. The transfer must include the software and, if provided with the device, an authentic Windows label including the product key. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.
Click to expand...


I first had another MB with a pre-activated Win 7 Home edition
Click to expand...

Not sure what that means .... if it means you bought a PC w/ Win 7 pre-installed, you need to buy a new licenses. If you purchased Win 7 and the purchase cost for Windows 7 appears as an individual cost item on your receipt, then the bold language above applies.

Situation A:

Whoopdedoo 2000 PC w/ blah blah blah and Windows 7 $1599 ... no good

Option B

Whopdedoo 2000 Case - $150
Ya YA MoBo - $125
Intel Super Duper CPU - $200
blah blah blah
Windows 7 - $100

Then you should be able to reuse
 
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