Hello,
How did you obtain your license initially?
Did it come with the device preinstalled, or did you purchase it?
If you purchased it, did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?
Is it originally a Win7/8 key?
Upgraded to Windows 11 and Im being asked for an activation code
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Keith Dicken
0
Reputation points
I upgraded my computer by adding a new motherboard, processor and RAM, to enable me to upgrade to Windows 11. During the process of the upgrade I was informed that the new Win 11 would pick up my licence for Win 10 but now I'm being asked for an activation code for my new Windows 11. Shouldn't this be automatic?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
1 answer
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EmilyS726 178.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-10-24T12:09:20.98+00:00 -
Keith Dicken 0 Reputation points
2025-10-25T13:22:59.3166667+00:00 As I remember, I bought it from Microsoft. The original licence was Windows 7 which I paid to upgrade to Windows 10. I have had to change the MB and processor so that I can upgrade again but as I installed Win 11, it didn't pick up my existing Win 10 licence.
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EmilyS726 178.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-25T14:22:05.71+00:00 The problem here is that the key was originally from Windows 7. Microsoft closed this so-called "loophole" in 2023, to prevent Windows 7/8 key to upgrade all the way to Windows 11. It was meant for upgrade to 10 only.
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