Windows Activation Fails with error 0x803fa067 After a Motherboard Replacement
Summary: Windows fails to activate automatically after having the motherboard replaced. The Windows activation status changes to error 0x803fa067.
Symptoms
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.
Cause
The issue is under active investigation by Microsoft engineering teams.
Resolution
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
.