Question Swapped out X58 boards, Windows needs activation

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I just got done swapping out my AsRock X58 Extreme board (first version) with an X5690 Xeon for a spare EVGA X58 E770 board with a W3690 Xeon. The SATA ports were finally saying goodbye. Things went really smooth. Smoother than I anticipated/thought. Decided to rename the PC and that went smooth. Realized the account name didn't change, although I never signed up with Microsoft for an account, so I googled how to change the name. Through the directions I learned my previously activated Windows 10 now isn't active. In order to activate windows do I need to make an account? I've never done/made one and never had a problem. I figured windows wouldn't allow any Updating but I just got the latest Security Essentials definitions.

EDIT: so I simply entered my product key and it accepted, but that brings me back to the administrator account name..

 

[JWade]

windows 10 activation is tied to the motherboard, thats why. you can try re-using your key though

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

windows 10 activation is tied to the motherboard, thats why. you can try re-using your key though

Thanks. I did and that helped. I was initially trying to change the local account name. Searching a little more I found out how. Just had to go into control panel/user accounts and change the name, ugh, hah.. how silly.

Thanks again!