Windows Activation Fails with error 0x803fa067 After a Motherboard Replacement

Affected Operating Systems:

• Windows 11
• Windows 10

If your device recently had a motherboard replacement, the Windows operating system might not re-activate automatically.

Windows shows an activation error under the Activation page in system settings.

You can continue to work as usual. Some personalization options might be limited or unavailable.

The issue is under active investigation by Microsoft engineering teams.

Dell updates this article as new guidance becomes available.

This requires an update from Microsoft. Windows has inbuilt logic that repeatedly checks the activation status with Windows Activation Servers (WAS) and reactivates automatically once the solution is published.

Replacing the motherboard or other components does not resolve the issue. The device continues to be fully functional. Some personalization options may be unavailable and not accessible until Windows is reactivated. If Windows does not re-activate within 48 hours, use the Windows Activation troubleshooter .