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Issues with Windows after BIOS update.

Anonymous
2025-05-30T17:22:32+00:00

Hello,

I have recently updated my BIOS, because it hasn't been updated for 2 years (since Feb. 2023).
Everything went well during the update. Right before the end it said that it detected a new fTPM firmware version and asked me, if I wanted to reset it or keep the previous record.
At first I went to just keep the old, as to my understanding this has got something to do with Bitlockers and encryptions, which I never had on this PC.
It booted in fine, but the next day, when I turned my PC on it asked me the same question again... Again I just went with keeping the old.
But when the next day it asked me again, I said F-it, go with the new version and leave me alone with these stupid messages...
My PC booted in fine, but on the bottom right of the screen it was telling me that my Windows needs to be activated. \o/
I just ignored it for the time being.
Another day passed, when turned on my PC what's waiting for me? - that stupid fTPM question again... I went "Y" - go with the new.

My PC booted in just fine, not even the Windows activation message was there.
Turned my PC off for about an hour, turned it back on again and a blue screen awaits me...
"RECOVERY
Your PC/Device needs to be repaired
A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

Error code: 0xc000000e
You'll need to use recovery tools. If you don't have any installation media (like a dics or USB device), contact your PC administrator or PC/Device manufacturer.

Press enter to try again

Press Esc for UEFI settings"

I went enter -> it gave me the same message, but also something about the winload.efi.
So I went Esc to get into UEFI.
Then I just went Esc again to get out, and my PC just booted in normal as if nothing happened.
This is where I am now.

I am gonna do an "sfc /scannow" in a minute, see if it does something, but can someone tell me what's going on, please?...
( I have Windows 10 Pro, my motherboard is Asus Rog Strix B550-F Gaming Wifi II. )

Thanks!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-02T15:31:22+00:00

    Hi ShadowLS38,

    A BIOS update can sometimes cause Windows to become deactivated because Windows activation is tied to your hardware configuration. When the BIOS is updated, certain hardware identifiers may change, making Windows think that the system has undergone a significant hardware change. This can trigger deactivation, especially if Windows was activated using a digital license linked to the motherboard.

    Usually, if you bought a Windows license you will get an email or physical copy of the key. If you somehow misplaced it unfortunately, the only way is to contact the store where you bought it from and hope they still had the record if your purchase.

    Reinstalling Windows might help however, it's not 100% sure it re-activate. Before doing so, I suggest backing up your important files.

    Regards,

    Fritz-Bald

    Microsoft Community

    Moderator

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-02T22:05:18+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply.

    I have found my activation keys, but since it has been activated before it does not let me activate it again... Great...

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-31T09:44:53+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply.
    I already did the sfc /scannow yesterday and it said it found no issues.
    I will have a look at the BIOS settings today, but I don't understand how can it forget my Windows activation key...
    How can I activate my Windows again, if I don't remember my activation key? - I'm not going to buy another, when I already paid for one.
    If I reinstall Windows will it restore my activation?

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-05-31T09:29:24+00:00

    Good day!

    Welcome to Microsoft Community. Thank you for sharing your concern with us today and we hope that all is well. It seems like the BIOS update may have caused some issues with the TPM firmware and Windows activation on your PC. The error code 0xc000000e indicates a problem with a required device not being connected or accessible.

    Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

    1. Run the "sfc /scannow" command in Command Prompt to scan and repair corrupted system files.
    2. Check if the TPM firmware is properly configured in the BIOS settings.
    3. Ensure that all hardware components are properly connected to your motherboard.
    4. Try booting into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists.
    5. If the problem continues, you may need to perform a system restore or reinstall Windows.

    Regards,

    Fritz-Bald

    Microsoft Community

    Moderator

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