Upgraded PC, windows won't activate

[CliffyG]

My PC had a retail copy of Windows 7 on which I used to upgrade to Windows 10. The Windows 10 key is linked to my Hotmail account (although I can't seem to find where it lists this any more). I upgraded motherboard, processor, memory and SSD with a fresh install of windows. I was under the impression that it would be possible to use the linked key with my fresh install but I can't see any options under my Microsoft account for licensing. I can see my list of devices though, is it tied into that at all? I'm reluctant to delete the old PC from there till I know for sure.

 

[Cromulent]

My PC had a retail copy of Windows 7 on which I used to upgrade to Windows 10. The Windows 10 key is linked to my Hotmail account (although I can't seem to find where it lists this any more). I upgraded motherboard, processor, memory and SSD with a fresh install of windows. I was under the impression that it would be possible to use the linked key with my clean install but I can't see any options under my Microsoft account for licensing. I can see my list of devices though, is it tied into that at all? I'm reluctant to delete the old PC from there till I know for sure.

You might need to contact Microsoft to activate your copy of Windows 10. I suspect that because you upgraded so much at once that it thinks you have a new computer and is complaining because it would be activated on two machines.

I had to do the same thing. Don't worry Microsoft will sort it out in about 5 minutes.

 

[CliffyG]

OK thanks, will try calling them tonight.