Failing to Reactivate Windows after Reinstall

Question

Failing to Reactivate Windows after Reinstall

Justin M 0

I had some driver corruption issues, so I did a fresh install using rufus. Now my pc says it isn't activated, and the troubleshoot either says the activation servers are down or that no devices were found on my account. The only hardware change I had was an added HDD.

During the reinstall, I checked my microsoft devices and my pc was on my account saying I had Windows Pro 11. But I checked now and it is no longer listed. I also don't have my old activation code, I ordered a physical one through best buy.

Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-06T14:58:09.56+00:00

Have you installed Pro edition or is it the default Home edition.

What happens when you run the activation troubleshooter and select Changed hardware. (even though you haven't)
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-10T23:07:43.37+00:00

I installed pro and previously had pro. When I run the troubleshooter and select changed hardware I get:
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-10T23:15:43.0333333+00:00

Heres images from my devices to show my pc was recognized during the reset process, but disappeared after.
Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-11T09:49:55.2266667+00:00

Did you buy the licence for Windows 11 separate from the PC initially or was it an upgrade from Windows 10.?

If you bought a licence separate from the PC was it from Microsoft?

Do you have a product key provided when you bought a licence.?

If it was Windows 10 was that licence an upgrade during the free upgrade period from Windows 7 or 8?

To check the current licence open a Command prompt and type slmgr /dlv [press return] and post a screenshot.
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-11T22:49:22.47+00:00

I bought Windows 11 seperate from the PC. I ordered a flash through Best Buy. I no longer have the product key.
Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-12T13:51:34.7933333+00:00

The screenshot shows the last 5 characters of a generic product key. Without a valid licence that key cannot be used to activate windows.

If you bought a full Pro licence from Best Buy then you need the product key to activate. Because you have install Pro edition then the generic key is just a placeholder and there is no valid licence available. The problem you see where the device is not shown on your account does not (generally) affect the ability to transfer a valid licence from the old device.

When you run the activation troubleshooter do you see and option to select Changed hardware (even though you haven't) If you are able to use that do you see a previous install listed for Pro edition?

Failing that you will need to contact Microsoft support directly, but they will ask for evidence you bought the licence from Best Buy.

Use the Get Help app in windows and type chat with an agent then select Contact Support.

1 answer

Your answer

Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-06T14:58:09.56+00:00

Have you installed Pro edition or is it the default Home edition.

What happens when you run the activation troubleshooter and select Changed hardware. (even though you haven't)
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-10T23:07:43.37+00:00

I installed pro and previously had pro. When I run the troubleshooter and select changed hardware I get:
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-10T23:15:43.0333333+00:00

Heres images from my devices to show my pc was recognized during the reset process, but disappeared after.
Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-11T09:49:55.2266667+00:00

Did you buy the licence for Windows 11 separate from the PC initially or was it an upgrade from Windows 10.?

If you bought a licence separate from the PC was it from Microsoft?

Do you have a product key provided when you bought a licence.?

If it was Windows 10 was that licence an upgrade during the free upgrade period from Windows 7 or 8?

To check the current licence open a Command prompt and type slmgr /dlv [press return] and post a screenshot.
Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-11T22:49:22.47+00:00

I bought Windows 11 seperate from the PC. I ordered a flash through Best Buy. I no longer have the product key.
Neil D 32,640 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-12T13:51:34.7933333+00:00

The screenshot shows the last 5 characters of a generic product key. Without a valid licence that key cannot be used to activate windows.

If you bought a full Pro licence from Best Buy then you need the product key to activate. Because you have install Pro edition then the generic key is just a placeholder and there is no valid licence available. The problem you see where the device is not shown on your account does not (generally) affect the ability to transfer a valid licence from the old device.

When you run the activation troubleshooter do you see and option to select Changed hardware (even though you haven't) If you are able to use that do you see a previous install listed for Pro edition?

Failing that you will need to contact Microsoft support directly, but they will ask for evidence you bought the licence from Best Buy.

Use the Get Help app in windows and type chat with an agent then select Contact Support.

Answer 1

Sumit D - IA 164.4K Independent Advisor

Hi,

Get help with Windows 10/11 Activation errors:

https://support.microsoft.com/help/10738/windows-10-get-help-with-activation-errors

https://support.microsoft.com/help/12440/windows-10-activation

To better diagnose the issue,

Right-click Start button and Choose Windows Powershell(admin) and type in the following command:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

You will get a window. Take a screenshot and send it in the next reply.

Run the activation troubleshooter and send us the output.

Using the Activation troubleshooter-Windows 10/11

https://support.microsoft.com/help/20527/windows-10-activation-troubleshooter

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Justin M 0 Reputation points

2026-03-10T23:10:17.1333333+00:00
2. After "I changed hardware"

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Failing to Reactivate Windows after Reinstall

1 answer

Your answer