The Digital License For This Device Has Already Been Used To Reactivate Windows

If you're unable to activate your copy of Windows because the digital license for this device has already been used to reactivate Windows, check this fix.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
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When you change your system’s crucial hardware, such as motherboard or hard drive, you might be asked to reactivate your Windows 10. We’ve provided the steps to reactivate in this guide. If you can’t reactivate Windows, see this fix.

This article talks about yet another activation you might face while reactivating your Windows license. In this case, following message appears when attempt to do so:

We can’t activate your copy of Windows because the digital license for this device has already been used to reactivate Windows.

The Digital License For This Device Has Already Been Used To Reactivate Windows

With above message, you’re denied to activate your system, still you’ve a valid license. Then what you can do get over this. Let us check out the options we’ve now.

The Digital License For This Device Has Already Been Used To Reactivate Windows

We’ll start first with the determination of our license type. When you’re reactivating your system, it is most crucial that you’ve valid type of license. Check out this guide to identify your license type. Only retail and volume licenses can be reactivate. If you’ve OEM license before reinstall of your Windows 10, and you changed motherboard, you’ve only option i.e. to buy new license for your system. This is because OEM license is not transferable and it dies with the first motherboard, on which it was activated.

While if you’re having retail license, you’re still have strong change for getting reactivated. The digital license is basically tied to your Microsoft account (MSA). As might have already tried to reactivate using MSA and that didn’t worked, try the Activation troubleshooter. In case if you continue to face the issue, you need to reach to local Microsoft support numbers and call them to activate your system. Those having valid license, will be reactivated for sure.

If you’re on volume license, you can reach to your IT or support person to get help with reactivation of your system.

Hope the above information helps you!

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Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

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