How to recover Windows activation key from HP Omen 30L Serial and Product No After replacing MBoard?

[mtamayo86]

Hi, I purchased a used HP Omen 30L from a local seller and had to later replaced the original motherboard  (Dorado_OC) due to a power outage and stopped working. I bought a new one from a third party seller (eBay) (for HP Omen GT13) and I'm having problems when activating my Windows 11. I had to download a version from Microsoft.com and make a bootable drive but doesn't recognize my HP info.  I understand because I replaced the Original MB. What can I do ? Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Nowadays, motherboards come with and without Windows product keys.

The ones that come without product keys are sold by HP with FreeDOS, where someone installs their own copy of Windows with either a retail or OEM product key that they have to enter.

The only suggestion I can offer would be to download and install the free Showkey Plus app from the Microsoft Store.

ShowKeyPlus - Microsoft Apps

If the motherboard you purchased has a Windows product key in the BIOS, it will show a Windows OEM product key and the version of Windows the key is good for.  You can use a W10 product key to activate W11.

There should also be a report of an 'Installed' product key.

If your PC's motherboard came with a Windows OEM product key, change the installed key to the OEM key in the PC settings menu and you should be able to activate Windows.

If there is no Windows OEM product key, you will have to purchase a W11 license/product key from Microsoft.

[Hibb1]

The replacement mainboard most likely does not have an embedded DPK.

If you take take the PC to an authorised HP repairer, they may be able to update the DMI / Tattoo on the new board to reflect the original serial number etc... If the MS activation servers know it's only a mainboard replaced, maybe they'll pick up on your previous digi key? Also make sure if you're re-installing Windows, that you pick the right version (home, pro etc..) as it won't activate if you pick a different version from the originally installed version).

As a last resort, you could try a HP cloud recovery, but the mainboard will need to have the DMI info entered for that to work.