After BIOS update, now Windows says it is not activated

Seb G 0 Reputation points
2026-08-27T05:36:07.01+00:00

I updated my BIOS and now Windows says it is not activated. It wont let me activate it either.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 78,420 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-27T06:17:56.9533333+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out.

    1. Could you please let me know how Windows was activated previously? Was the product key pre-installed on the device by the manufacturer (OEM), or did you purchase it separately from a third-party retailer or the Microsoft Store?
    2. Also, could you confirm whether you are using Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro?
    3. Share the exact activation error message shown on the Activation settings page.

    Meanwhile, try running the Activation troubleshooter -

    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
    • Run the Activation troubleshooter.
    • If the troubleshooter says Windows can't be activated, select 'I changed the hardware on the device recently' and follow the prompts to activate it.

    If the issue persists,

    Open a Command Prompt window.

    Typr slmgr.vbs /dlv and click Ok.

    Post a screenshot of the resulting dialog box.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-27T05:36:20.85+00:00

    A BIOS update can make Windows treat the PC as changed hardware, especially after a significant motherboard or firmware change. For Windows 11, the supported self-service path is:

    1. Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
    2. Run Troubleshoot.
    3. If the option appears, select the path for a recent hardware change.
    4. Make sure the device is signed in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to the digital license before the BIOS update.

    Important details:

    • A Windows digital license is associated with the device hardware.
    • After a significant hardware change, Windows may no longer find the matching license automatically.
    • Linking the Microsoft account to the device license is important because it enables reactivation through the Activation troubleshooter.
    • The troubleshooter requires an internet connection.
    • If the troubleshooter does not resolve it, contact customer support.

    If Windows was preinstalled by the PC manufacturer and the BIOS update changed or exposed an OEM licensing issue, OEM activation can also fail when Windows cannot verify the BIOS licensing data. In that case, the documented resolution is to contact the OEM vendor to update or correct the BIOS information.

    To check the BIOS serial number, run this command in Command Prompt:

    wmic bios get serialnumber

    If the BIOS serial number appears incorrect or generic after the update, that supports an OEM BIOS licensing problem.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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