Windows deactivated after enabling secure boot

Question

I've tried running the troubleshooter and selected "I changed hardware on this device recently." My device was listed so I selected it and got the message "We can’t reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later."

What can I do for this? My Windows is genuine and until now, the license worked for 7 years.

The thing I recently changed was enabling secure boot so I could play Valorant. This is what caused the issue but shouldn't invalidate my Windows license

Answer 1

Screenshot of 2 above.

The Windows license was preinstalled on a prebuilt pc I had before.

Full sequence of it:

1. It was preinstalled on an HDD
2. I bought a SATA SSD and moved the installation onto it
3. I built a new pc and placed the SATA SSD into it, using it as the boot drive
4. I transferred the installation to a faster NVME SSD
5. I enabled secure boot in the BIOS so I could run Valorant

Only after step 5 did Windows decide to deactivate my license.

Answer 2

1

Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer, and if so, do you have the product key?

Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

2

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

Answer 3

If you've enabled Secure Boot and are experiencing issues with Windows activation, it's possible that the changes made in the BIOS settings have affected the licensing status. Here are some steps you can take to try to resolve the issue:

1. Run the Activation Troubleshooter Again: Sometimes, running the troubleshooter multiple times can yield different results. Make sure to select the option that best describes your situation.
2. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your system is fully updated. Sometimes, updates can resolve activation issues.
3. Revert BIOS Changes: If you suspect that enabling Secure Boot caused the issue, you might want to try disabling it again and see if Windows activates correctly. You can access the BIOS menu by pressing a key during boot (like F1, F2, F12, or Esc) or by holding the Shift key while selecting Restart from Windows.
4. Contact Microsoft Support: If the above steps do not work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your activation issue.
5. Check Hardware Changes: If you've made any other hardware changes, ensure that they are compatible with Windows and that the drivers are up to date.
6. Consider Restoring the System: If all else fails, you might need to restore your system to a previous state before the changes were made. This can sometimes resolve activation issues.

Remember to keep your Windows license key handy, as you may need it during the activation process.