I was refreshing Windows 10 to fix some issues with the store, when after at least 90% completion, the PC looped into restarting again and again.
Eventually, I installed windows 10 from a USB, and now i've lost my upgrade, and Microsoft views it as two PC's. In addition to this, clicking the change key option, simply freezes the settings app, meaning that even if i had a new windows 10 key, I couldn't even enter it.
Is there a way to move the license from the non-existent first PC to the actual real current incarnation, I don't have 190 pounds to throw away like this.
Your First installation of Windows 10 on that PC was as an upgrade - correct ??
You should then be able to perform a Clean Installation and Windows 10 will activate..
When Re-installing Windows 10 just "SKIP" when asked for product keys..
Also be sure the use the same edition of OS - Home or Pro
Re-installing the wrong edition will result in activation error
So if when I installed i entered what i thought was they key (turns out it was a placeholder key) and that was incorrect, that means the pc isn't activated?
if i reinstalled again, over the unactivated but don't enter my key, i'm assuming this will still remain unactivated?
As i've already made the mistake, can i rectify it?
sorry kyhi, i can't respond to PM's without 5 posts first.
that key is the one i kept from my registry when i originally installed windows 10.
I entered that during the re-install and it was invaild apparently
some have had to wait for re-activation - but if you upgraded from and reinstall the same edition
activation should not be an issue - as your PC has already been recorded with MS
on my microsoft account it shows 2 PC's, so i'm not sure if this is because I swapped GPU's the other day. I thought it was determined by your motherboard/HDD
Hardware Change = Different PC
Phone activation is required
How do i do that, there isn't an option on the activation page. Do i just call their UK support?
Also do would need some proof of identity?
disconnect from the internet - then select Activate
should pull Phone Activation
Usually talk to Robot - answer is = 1 PC