SOLVED Reactivating Windows

[Jorn Johanesson]

I wonder how many times it is possible to reactivate windows 10. I am used to upgrade my computer by replacing the motherboard. So I am interested in knowing the limit of reactivating possible.

 

[Trouble]

As far as I know, the ability to re-activate Windows 10 on the same computer is unlimited, however......
Re-activating Windows 10 on different hardware (like a motherboard replacement) is somewhat restricted and in some instances may require that you contact Microsoft and explain the situation that required the change in hardware.
I've heard that it is a relatively painless process but I don't suspect that they support it unconditionally.

 

[Jorn Johanesson]

Thank you for your answer. On the computer I am speaking about, I have an old motherboard (more than 15years old. So it is old. I strted it up with windows XP, then bought a windows 7 and last upgraded to windows 10. Because it is that old I suspect it to fail at some time. It has already lost the build in soundcard so that I had to by one. I suspect more of it to fail in near future. What I want to do is to replace the motherboard with a new i7 board and then use the reactivating possibility for this computer. What I now want is to know if this fails (It will by time goes) will the reactivating also goes for this, and maybe also if I replace some other hardware Microsoft is checking for. So question is How many times is it possible to reactivate if major hardware is replaced?

I have read this : http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change, and the
Additional troubleshooting steps which tels me that there might be crosng a limit of activating

 

[Stevekir]

My first W 10 machine, built for me in Feb. 2015, was a total disaster (glitches, glitches). At a late stage before dumping (literally) another computer shop suggested changing the mother board (the USB controller was suspect). As a result, I was required by Microsoft to register the new motherboard about 24 hours after running it. It was slightly tedious but done automatically by phone and all was well. I think there is a limit to the number of hardware changes that Microsoft will accept as Windows being legitimally installed on the same machine (up to 5 I think) and a new motherboard is rated as more than 5. (I guess it is Microsoft's way of limiting people's ability to illegally install Windows on lots of machines - fair enough).

 

[Jorn Johanesson]

I think there is a limit to the number of hardware changes that Microsoft will accept as Windows being legitimally installed on the same machine (up to 5 I think) and a new motherboard is rated as more than 5. (I guess it is Microsoft's way of limiting people's ability to illegally install Windows on lots of machines - fair enough).

I also think it is fair enough that Microsoft limit the numbers of activating, and if as I read you the number is up to 5 I do not think I will need more in my lifetime. But I will se how this goes with this old PC I have. At it is now I read about the activating that there will be a possibility to reactivate the windows by using a reactivating tool delivered by the latest annual update and using a Microsoft account if there is a major replacement of hardware such as a new motherboard. But this can be read about in settings/updating/activation.

 

[Jorn Johanesson]

The only thing I have now is that Microsoft demands to have the computer listed in a Microsoft account, forcing me to run around to my entire Computers to log in and get them up running. But that I have to live with if I want this reactivating to be possible I think

 

[Jorn Johanesson]

here is the English help about reactivating the windows 10 :
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

[Jorn Johanesson]

Thank you for your answer. On the computer I am speaking about, I have an old motherboard (more than 15years old.

Oh my memory failed, it is more than 8 years old, but still old enough to think of a motherboard replacement