Can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:
slmgr /dlv
Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!
Windows11 suddenly deactivated after update – digital license lost
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Anonymous
Windows11 suddenly deactivated after update – digital license lost after 25H2 update
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Anonymous
2026-02-20T20:07:45.1033333+00:00 already did that. no solution.
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Anonymous
2026-02-20T20:09:19.57+00:00 callback requested
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(35.2, 51%, 13%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ES%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Spencer 0 Reputation points2026-02-26T14:13:21.4833333+00:00 I have this exact same issue with Windows 11 Pro. I tried various attempts running the troubleshooter, including Clean Boot & trying to activate as a local user but all have failed.
Version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.7840)
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2 answers
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EmilyS726 211.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-02-20T20:38:51.54+00:00 -
Spencer 0 Reputation points
2026-02-26T14:17:55.7333333+00:00 I have this exact same issue with Windows 11 Pro Version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.7840). Troubleshooter has not been able to resolve the problem. I can share a screenshot of my slmgr /dlv result:
The only "hardware change" Windows keeps suggesting in the troubleshooter I can think of is a Bios update so my new video card would be compatible.
Thanks for any help.
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(204.8, 96%, 29%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3END%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Neil D 32,305 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2026-02-26T14:32:12.8333333+00:00 Can you give some detail about the licence history.
- Was it an upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 originally to Windows 10.
- Did you buy a Windows 10/11 licence separate from the device.
- Was the licence originally provided by the system builder.
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Spencer 0 Reputation points
2026-02-26T14:48:34.81+00:00 Hi Neil, it was an upgrade from a system builder copy of Windows 7 Pro which was upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, and then to Windows 11 Pro when it became available from the Windows updater.
I still have a separate Windows 7 Home Edition retail CD but I'm not sure if that's any use in my situation, as I know the free upgrade path from 7 -> 10 -> 11 has closed.
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Neil D 32,305 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-02-26T16:34:07.65+00:00 Many users have found after Microsoft blocked users from using Windows 7 licences in 2023 you can no longer use it for Windows 11.
The free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 was offered when using an original Windows 10 licence. As your licence is based on a Windows 7 licence the free upgrade is not available. Even though it had previously upgraded and activated the licence is now rejected.
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Q&A Assist2026-02-20T20:06:51.23+00:00 AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn moreIf your Windows 11 has suddenly deactivated after the 25H2 update, it may be due to issues with the digital license associated with your device. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
- Check Activation Status: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation to see if Windows is activated. If it shows that Windows is not activated, you may need to reactivate it.
- Run the Activation Troubleshooter: In the Activation settings, you can find an option to troubleshoot activation issues. This may help identify the problem and guide you through the reactivation process.
- Use Command Prompt: You can check your license status using the command prompt. Open it as an administrator and run the command
slmgr /dlvto get detailed licensing information. - Contact Microsoft Support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance, especially if your digital license is not showing up in your Microsoft account.
- Reassign License: If you have a retail digital license, ensure it is associated with your current hardware. You may need to follow specific steps to reassign it if the hardware has changed.
These steps should help you address the activation issue after the update.