How to reactivate Win 10 without microsoft account

I recently upgraded the hardware of my PC and afterwards my Win 10 was deactivated. I do not have it linked to a Microsoft account.

Which options do I have to activate it again?

Further information: The Win 10 license is an upgraded Win 7 license from which I still have the key

2 Answers

Upgrades from Windows 7 receive a Digital License.

If you ever entered a Microsoft account, your digital license may have been associated with that account automatically. If this is the case, then you might be able to use the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate (assuming you have Windows 10 Anniversary or above). Otherwise, you may need to call Microsoft Customer Support.

Additional Information

Starting with Windows 10 Version 1511, it's apparently (potentially) possible to use a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 key to activate Windows 10 in upgrades (though this excludes Volume, Multiple Activation or Enterprise Licenses).

Recently I came across this and got the following info from Microsoft for anyone with the same issue:

• Right click Start and run PowerShell.
• Type slmgr.vbs /upk and hit Enter

This will disassociate the product key from your old machine. Then, go back to the Windows Activation and enter your same product key and it should now work.