Windows Re-activation Now Requires A Microsoft Account???

Had to replace a motherboard (exactly same make and model). Windows required re-activation and when I tried to re-activate the only way to do it was to log in with a Microsoft account or create a new one. This has changed because I have been able to re-activate following hardware changes (including had drives - can't remember whether I have had the same situation after replacing the motherboard) in the past. The build is 20H2 - maybe this new change was only recently introduced? At any rate I do not want or need a Microsoft Account. Is there any way around this? I note that even though the system was not able to be re-activated Windows updates still worked so maybe we just have to put up with an erroneous nag screen about using genuine Microsoft software. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

It’s a new ‘feature’ to ensure the Windows license is registered to a Microsoft account amongst other things.
You should be able to switch to a local account once logged in with a Microsoft account.
However you can still set up using a local account if you’d prefer:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-local-account-during-windows-10-home-setup-process

Also changing the Motherboard is akin to a new PC so if your license is OEM then this is why it isn’t activating.
If it is Retail then you should have a key.

 

Thanks Goddess I think your comment about OEM license is probably the cause of this. Shouldn't happen though and it's like Microsoft just forcing everyone to have an account

 

I agree. Users should still have the option to use a local account without resorting to workarounds.
Some users have found MS support will give a one-time reactivation of an OEM license. However I would expect they’d be using a MS account.