How to reactivate windows 11 after BIOS update.

Jonas Siup 20 Reputation points
2026-07-27T15:14:34.5366667+00:00

Updated bios, i came back to unactivated windows. I am not sure where my windows activation key is. I bout this pc prebuilt with installed windows and previously worked fine ( win 11). I opened windows script host and it shows all the activation info.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-27T15:48:26.3833333+00:00

A PC manufacturers BIOS update may change the hardware ID of the processor or motherboard, that causes the activation servers to think you have changed your PC.

Open the Settings App.

Go to System - Activation.

Click the Troubleshoot button and choose 'I changed my hardware', do you see the previously activated device in the list to select it to reactivate Windows.

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  1. Jonas Siup 20 Reputation points
    2026-07-27T15:33:53.8066667+00:00

    I bought the pc with the windows installed, yes i started with windows 11. I updated my bios.

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