Introduction
This step-by-step guide is designed to help users re-activate Windows after performing a hardware upgrade on their PCs. In this scenario, let's assume a user has upgraded their old i7-10700K system with a new motherboard, new CPU, new RAM, and new hard drives. However, they did not reinstall Windows, which resulted in the de-activation of their Windows license. In this article, we will walk you through the process of re-activating Windows using various methods.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:
- A valid Windows product key
- Internet connection
- A Windows installation media or the ability to create one
Method 1: Using the Activation Website
Step 1: Access the Activation Website
Open your web browser and go to the following website:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery
Click on the "Activate Windows now" button.
Step 2: Enter Your Product Key
Enter your valid Windows product key when prompted and click "Next".
Step 3: Select the Installation
Choose the installation of Windows that you want to activate. If your upgrade is not listed, click on "I changed hardware on this device recently" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Prove Ownership
You will be asked to prove that you are the legitimate owner of the product key. You can choose to enter the information manually or use the Product Key Jumper tool.
Step 5: Complete the Activation
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
Method 2: Using a Windows Installation Media
Step 1: Create a Windows Installation Media
If you don't have a Windows installation media, you can create one using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Step 2: Boot from the Installation Media
Restart your PC and boot from the installation media. During the setup process, select the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option.
Step 3: Enter Your Product Key
Enter your valid Windows product key when prompted and click "Next".
Step 4: Prove Ownership
Follow the on-screen instructions to prove that you are the legitimate owner of the product key.
Step 5: Complete the Installation
Complete the installation process. Once the installation is finished, your Windows will be activated automatically.
Summary
In this article, we have covered two methods to re-activate Windows after a hardware upgrade: using the activation website and using a Windows installation media. Both methods require a valid Windows product key and an internet connection. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting your upgraded system back up and running with an activated Windows license.