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I have updated my BIOS to fix issues with cpu firmware. Now Windows is deactivated, how do I activate it? I have tried the troubleshooter to no avail, and I am unsure which account is linked to the digital license or if I have even linked it. I am aware that my Windows is a retail version with a digital license and that I took the free upgrade from Windows 10 to 11. I have attached my slmgr /dlv output.
Hi,
If BIOS update changed the motherboard identity too much:
Windows sees big hardware changes as a (NEW PC).
When the troubleshooter does not show the device try this:
Contact Microsoft Support (free)
Tell them it’s a retail license and BIOS update deactivated the windows, they can remotely reactivate to resolve the issue.
A BIOS update is widely reported to cause Windows to deactivate sometimes, because a PC manufacturers BIOS update may change the hardware ID of the CPU or motherboard and that causes the activation servers to think you have changed to a new PC.
If you have tried the Troubleshoot option on the activation settings window and select 'I changed my hardware' (even though you did not) and that process is also unsuccessful, try the activation method they provide on this link.
I've tried it, and for some reason it won't accept my installation ID? I'll try again to see if I just got through ID wrong.
Okay, and if that process is also unsuccessful, those are the only automated processes they provide to re-activate Windows, so you would need to try to contact Microsoft Support directly to ask them to reactivate your licence for you.
