Can't Activate Windows After Updating BIOS

Ana-7858 20 Reputation points
2026-09-01T06:17:36.1933333+00:00

I updated my BIOS. After that I have not been able to re-activate Windows on my PC.

In System > Activation, when I trouble shoot and choose "I changed hardware on this device recently" the following pops up:

"Unable to activate Windows

We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on this device or try again later."

I am signed into the same account that I purchased my license with.

I have purchased my digital Windows License (windows 10/11 home) directly from Microsoft. I'm located in EU.

I've seen that others with similar problems have been asked to run command slmgr /dli so here is a picture of that info:
User's image

How should I proceed in activating Windows?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
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Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-01T06:51:58.5966667+00:00

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

If the Troubleshoot method to select 'I changed my hardware' option is not working to reactivate Windows, that is the only method provided to reactivate a retail Windows licence, this forum is just a user to user forum, you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly, they will be able to find your Windows licence linked to your account and be able to reactivate Windows for you.

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  1. Neil D 34,200 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-01T16:02:36.78+00:00

    As mentioned you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly.

    Assuming the licence purchase is shown in purchase history on the account you are using with windows. Use the Get Help app and search the phrase billing then select Contact Support at the bottom of the window.

    There will be a couple more folders to select then you should see the option chat with an agent in your browser.

    They have the methods to view your account for the purchase and may want to connect to your device remotely.

    As a note: the screenshot shows the last 5 characters of a retail generic key and not your digital licence. So currently windows connect find the licence you purchased.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-01T06:17:55.8233333+00:00

    A BIOS update can be treated as a significant hardware change, which can prevent Windows from finding the digital license tied to the previous hardware state.

    Proceed in this order:

    1. Verify activation state and edition
      • Open Start > Settings > System > Activation on Windows 11.
      • Confirm the installed edition matches the license purchased. If the license is Windows Home, the device must be running Windows Home for activation to succeed.
    2. Run the Activation troubleshooter again
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
      • The troubleshooter is available only when Windows is not activated.
      • Sign in as an administrator and make sure the PC is connected to the internet.
      • If the troubleshooter offers the hardware-change path, use it.
    3. If the digital license still is not found, enter the product key manually
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key.
      • Enter the 25-character product key, if available.
      • This is the supported path when Windows cannot automatically reactivate after a hardware change.
    4. If the license was linked to the Microsoft account before the BIOS update but no eligible device appears
      • This means Windows is not finding a matching device/license association for reactivation on the current hardware state.
      • If the troubleshooter cannot resolve it, the next supported step is to contact Microsoft customer support.
    5. If an activation error such as license not found is shown
      • Error 0x803F7001 means Windows could not find a valid license on the PC.
      • After a hardware change, supported options are:
        • use Troubleshoot and the reactivation path,
        • enter the previous product key with Change product key, or
        • contact support if those steps fail.

    Based on the details provided, the practical next step is:

    • confirm the installed edition is Home,
    • rerun the troubleshooter while signed in as an administrator and connected to the internet,
    • if no linked device is still shown, use Change product key with the purchased key,
    • if that does not activate Windows, contact Microsoft customer support for reactivation help.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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