You can run the Activation troubleshooter from activation page in Settings.
Then select I changed hardware on this device recently.
Sign in to Microsoft account, choose your device and reactivate.
Let us know if this helps!
how do I reactivate windows 11
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Michael Stoico
0
Reputation points
I have Windows 11 Pro and just installed a new motherboard and drive. IT is now telling me to reactivate Windows, but it says my key is already installed on another system. How do I reactivate my product?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
3 answers
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Kapil Arya 37,196 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2026-02-08T17:50:56.6833333+00:00 -
Michael Stoico 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T18:34:00.6433333+00:00 That didn't work. I just gave up and bought a new license
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-02-08T14:20:14.24+00:00 A motherboard replacement is treated as a new PC by the Windows activation servers.
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?
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Michael Stoico 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T14:35:45.57+00:00 It was an upgrade from Windows 10 through Microsoft. Yes, I have the key (got it from the registry)
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-02-08T14:44:26.9533333+00:00 Thank you for that information.
I understand the Windows 11 licence is a free upgrade from WIndows 10, where did you get your Windows 10 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.
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Michael Stoico 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T14:52:31.12+00:00 I bought it from microsft,, it came with a
USB drive I ordered (a long time ago)
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-02-08T14:56:18.5833333+00:00 Okay, thank you.
1
Open the Settings App.
Go to System - Activation.
Click the Troubleshoot button.
Choose 'I changed my hardware', then select the previously activated device, that process should move the WIndows licence to the new hardware.
2
If that process is not successful, try using the steps they provide on this link to reactivate WIndows.
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Michael Stoico 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T15:19:42.71+00:00 Option1 didn't work, so I tried option 2, but it's not giving me an installation id. Is this something I can get from the registry?
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-02-08T15:29:20.87+00:00 If neither process is working for you, then because this forum is just a user to user forum, you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly, they will be able to find your licence on your Microsoft account and reactivate WIndows for you.
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Michael Stoico 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T15:41:56.0566667+00:00 Thanks for the assist, I appreciate it
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-02-08T15:42:36.3533333+00:00 Glad to help!
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Q&A Assist2026-02-08T13:45:25.5633333+00:00 AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn moreTo reactivate Windows 11 Pro after installing a new motherboard and drive, you can follow these steps:
- Use the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If Windows is not activated, you should see an option to troubleshoot. Follow the prompts to see if it can help you reactivate.
- Sign in with your Microsoft Account: Make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account that was used for the original activation. This can help in transferring the license to your new hardware.
- Contact Microsoft Support: If the above steps do not work, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for assistance. They can help you reassign your license to the new hardware.
- Phone Activation: Some users have found success by activating Windows via phone. You can find the phone activation option in the activation settings.
Note that if your original license was upgraded from an older version of Windows, there might be limitations on transferring it to new hardware, especially if the upgrade was done under specific conditions that are no longer valid.
References: