After replacing the system board on a Windows 10 system, what is the next step?

After replacing the system board on a Windows 10 system, the next logical step involves handling the activation of the operating system, which is intricately tied to the hardware changes made. Changing the system board often triggers the need to verify the software's legitimate use due to the significant hardware modification. This is where the activation comes into play, particularly with the requirement of a digital product key.

Entering the 5 x 5 Digital Product Key is necessary to ensure that Windows 10 recognizes the new hardware setup and confirms that the operating system is properly licensed. This process helps prevent any potential issues with running Windows due to the modifications made during the system board replacement.

Once the product key is entered, it confirms that the operating system can now activate successfully against Microsoft's servers, allowing the system to operate without limitations. This step is crucial before proceeding with any other activities, such as running diagnostics or reinstalling the operating system, as the activation status directly affects the usability of Windows following significant hardware changes.