Windows not activated after BIOS update, device appears as new ( Error code: 0x8007001 )

Question

Windows not activated after BIOS update, device appears as new ( Error code: 0x8007001 )

Hugo 55

Hello, I had Windows activated with a digital license linked to my Microsoft account. After updating my BIOS, Windows is no longer activated. My PC now appears as a new device, and I cannot reactivate Windows using the troubleshooter. It does not show the option “I changed hardware on this device recently”.

I also cannot use phone activation or Installation ID, as it does not appear or does not work.

This is the same PC, I have not changed any hardware except updating the BIOS.

Can you help me reassign my Windows license to this device? ( Error code: 0x8007001 )

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Answer 1

Sumit D - IA 164.2K 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.

Hugo 55 Reputation points

2026-03-28T16:27:47.28+00:00

Sorry, this is in Spanish.

Answer 2

Thanks for getting back.

MAK keys are multiple-activation keys, which are single keys used on multiple computers. These are typically used in Businesses, when Microsoft detects a Home use it gets blocked. I am afraid to ensure you remain activated, you must buy a retail license that is valid for lifetime of Windows prodict.

If you purchased recently, maybe ask for a refund.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 3

Sumit D - IA 164.2K Independent Advisor

Hi,

The error is due to a MAK license, which deactivates in these scenarios. Was Windows license provided by your employer?

Hugo 55 Reputation points

2026-03-28T16:41:07.5433333+00:00

No, no, this PC is mine. I imagine it came with a bad key, right? Then I'll have to buy another one. Honestly, I don't have the money to buy one with unlimited uses.

Answer 4

MUSTAFA SALAH 1,275

Hello Hugo,

Use the Troubleshooter: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-the-windows-activation-troubleshooter-d717cdff-cf19-9770-7198-40119c2a696c
Some BIOS updates reset your motherboard to default settings "Check if your BIOS setting for hard drive connectivity was changed from AHCI to RAID"
Check if it Pro or Home // Re-enter the product key again // click on 'there was a change and try agian

More Info: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

Regards,

Hugo 55 Reputation points

2026-03-28T16:07:41.2466667+00:00

Hello, thank you for your response.

I have already tried the troubleshooter, and it does not give me any option to reactivate Windows.

My Windows edition is Pro, and I have not changed any hardware, only updated the BIOS.

The issue is that after the BIOS update, my device appears as a new one, and my digital license is no longer recognized.

I also cannot use phone activation or Installation ID.

Could you please confirm if this requires manual license reassignment by Microsoft support?
MUSTAFA SALAH 1,275 Reputation points

2026-03-29T00:45:11.3366667+00:00
Hello again Hugo (LAST UPDATE),

It depends on how your windows is activated?

if you have a digital license, you can reactivate it if there is no change to the hardware itself.

Product Key Purchased from Microsoft?

Retail Key (Purchased from vendor / online)? - that one you can use it even if hardware changed.

Lastly, this is for business / corporates --> MAK one "CALLED multiple-activation-key**.**

Since you mentioned that this happened Directly-After-BIOS-Update
"That's a good start for troubleshooting"

Try the below and update me:

Clear the TPM
(Windows Security --> Device Security --> Under Status "security processor troubleshooting" --> Select: "I am trying to fix issues after firmware update" --> Clear TPM

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU HAVE (BITLOCKER) TURNED ON - this feature encrypt all your data and by clearing TPM, it might ask you for the (Encryption Key) - which is saved by (You or Microsoft Online account, ..) - check that out,

Check BIOS Setting --> Check "Secure Boot" Option.
Question for you: does this option was ON/Off?

-Verify that TPM 2.0 is ON
-Check that CSM (Compatibility Support Module) is disabled

Restart and let's RE-Sync
Open Command Prompt (CMD) as Admin and type the below command:

slmgr /ato

You can try use a (Generic Key) like this One for "Windows 11 Pro: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T Run this : changepk.exe /ProductKey VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T // it does not activate Windows, it just refresh the OS to inform that it's Pro Edition / Maybe BIOS update rolled back the edition somehow // Open CMD and run the below

slmgr /upk

slmgr /cpky

slmgr /rearm

slmgr /skms localhost

Restart your PC & Run the Troubleshooter (Activation)
Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot "I changed hardware on this device recently" Side Note: Sign in with the Microsoft Account that was originally used to activate Windows.
"https://www.google.com/search?q=https://account.microsoft.com/devices"

Lastly, We can report it to Microsoft:
Press Win + R then type this command: slui 4

It will ask about the region > follow the prompt to get help directly > save the ticket ID for future references.

Question for you: Are you using any virtualization like (hyper-v / vmware) or using different OS like Macbook or linux?

UPDATE ON YOUR SCREENSHOT: screenshot mentioned that you were using (MAK) and this is used by business to activate multiple PCs with one Key. where you purchased this? Online? or this is a digital license tied to your device/motherboard?

I hope that helps you!! thanks!

Regards,
MUSTAFA SALAH

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Windows not activated after BIOS update, device appears as new ( Error code: 0x8007001 )

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