Windows wont activate

Question

I recently switched the SSD that my computer runs on, and now windows is not activated. The product key is nowhere to be found, and I am 100% sure my computer had windows activated before the switch. The old ssd is still plugged in and inside the computer, but there is no locatable product key for me to use. Also, logging into my account does not fix this issue for whatever reason.

Answer 1

If the old SSD is still in the computer, can you boot Windows there?

If so, 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!

Answer 2

Switching the SSD counts as a significant hardware change, so Windows may no longer find the license that was associated with the previous hardware/installation.

Use these supported options to reactivate:

1. Try the Activation troubleshooter (digital license linked to Microsoft account)
   • Sign in with an administrator account.
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Activation.
   • If Windows shows as not activated, select Troubleshoot.
   • When prompted, choose I changed hardware on this device recently and select Next.
   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account that was used when Windows was previously activated.
   • From the list of devices linked to that account, select This is the device I’m using right now, then choose Activate.
   • If the device does not appear or activation still fails, follow the guidance in Get help with Windows activation errors for the specific error code shown.
2. If you have or can find a product key
   • If Windows was originally activated with a product key (for example, from a retail purchase or OEM packaging), that key must be re‑used.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security (or System in Windows 11) > Activation > Change product key, and enter the 25‑character key.
3. If the license cannot be found or transferred
   • If Windows came preinstalled on the original device and the hardware change is considered significant (for example, storage plus other components), a new license may be required.
   • In Settings > Activation, select Go to Microsoft Store to purchase a new Windows license if no valid license or product key is available.

If the troubleshooter cannot reactivate and no product key is available, contact Microsoft customer support for help with the exception path for reactivating after a hardware change.

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References:

• Why can't I activate Windows?
• Reactivate Windows after a hardware change
• Activate Windows
• Fix Windows 10 activation error 0x803F7001
• Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter
• Get help with Windows activation errors
• I cannot find my product key even though I purchased Windows - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to activate windows after hardware update - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows reactivation fails - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to activate Windows after reinstall - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to use troubleshooter for windows activation - Microsoft Q&A