Microsofts new Windows 10 build can tie licenses to your online account!
Instead of a hardware lock, the license will be locked to your Microsoft Account.
Even though Microsoft stated in the announcement that the feature is available starting with Build 14371.
Things look different currently than how Microsoft describes them.
According to the announcement, Microsoft Accounts will be automatically linked to the license when used to sign in.
The Activation Troubleshooter is another new feature introduced in the same build.
Basically, it allows you to run it to re-activate a system under certain circumstances.
Microsoft mentions hardware changes but also when the wrong version of Windows is installed on the machine.
What is a Windows 10 digital license?
When its upgraded to Windows 10 from previous versions of the Windows operating system using the free upgrade offer.
Many PC users were unable to activate their copy of Windows 10 after changing the PCs hardware.
And especially after changing the motherboard.
So that users can easily re-activate their Windows 10 copy after changing hardware.
Click Add an account link.
input your Microsoft account ID and password and then snag the Sign in button.
Once you add the Microsoft account and the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
Or when you use the above method while using a local user account.
Click Update & security.
Then you’re able to use the following direction to activate Windows 10 after hardware changes.
Click Update & security.
tap the Troubleshoot link to open Windows 10 activation troubleshooter.
And get your copy of Windows 10 activated after hardware changes.
If the troubleshooter fails to activate your copy of Windows 10.
You will see a link labeled I changed hardware on this gear recently.
tap the I changed hardware on this gear recently link.
you’re gonna wanna select your Windows 10 PC from the devices list.
If you want to see other devices linked to your account.
it’s possible for you to tap the See other devices linked to your Microsoft account link.
On this page, youll see a list of devices divided into three categories.
(Edition doesnt match, gadget jot down doesnt match, and Windows isnt activated.)
Explaining the reason why Windows 10 cannot activate from the other devices.
If youre using the correct Microsoft account, then youll have to investigate the reason why you cant activate.
your gear isnt running a genuine version of the operating system.
The edition of Windows 10 doesnt match the edition of the operating system you linked to your digital license.
The equipment youre trying to activate doesnt match the punch in of equipment youve linked to your digital license.
There is a limited number of times you’re able to re-activate.
If you reach that limit, you wont be able to activate Windows 10.
The edition of the operating system installed on your setup is not Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home.
your box is a managed equipment by your organization, in which case the re-activation tool is not available.
If this is your case, youll need to contact your system administrator.
If after using the Activation Troubleshooter, you cant activate Windows 10.
Then you will probably have to contact Microsoft customers support for assistance.
