Hello,
How did you obtain your license initially?
Did it come with the device preinstalled, or did you purchase it?
If you purchased it, did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?
Is it originally a Win7/8 key?
Windows 10 Key Lost and Device Unlinked during Hardware Upgrade
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John Fung
20
Reputation points
Before I get the internet shaming, there was a plan when I started my Black Friday upgrade. However, it didn't go accordingly.
I upgraded my motherboard chipset since it couldn't support Windows 11, so I loaded a fresh Windows 11 when I rebuilt my computer rig.
When I tried to reactivate by changed hardware, it wouldn't let me use my previous Windows 10 Home. Being the troubleshooter enthusiast I am, I unlinked the device and now don't have the original CDs or a linked device anymore.
Any solutions that don't involve me buying a new Windows 11 license?
Windows for home | Other | Windows update
Answer accepted by question author
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EmilyS726 184K Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-12-04T03:47:40.2133333+00:00 -
John Fung 20 Reputation points
2025-12-04T03:53:08.0233333+00:00 It was originally a Windows 7 Key purchased from a retail store back in 2010
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John Fung 20 Reputation points
2025-12-04T03:53:54.48+00:00 It was originally a Windows 7 key purchased as a disk install from a retail store
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EmilyS726 184K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-04T03:54:43.14+00:00 Unfortunately an old Windows 7/8 key can only allow yu to get the Windows 10, not for Windows 11. Sorry.
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Q&A Assist2025-12-04T03:15:00.49+00:00 AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn moreIf you've lost your Windows 10 key and unlinked your device during a hardware upgrade, there are a few steps you can take to try to reactivate your Windows 11 installation without purchasing a new license:
- Check for a Firmware-Embedded Key: If your device has a firmware-embedded Windows activation key, you can retrieve it using PowerShell. Open an elevated PowerShell command prompt and run the following command:
If a key is displayed, you can use it to activate Windows 11.(Get-CimInstance -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey - Use the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select Troubleshoot. This may help you reactivate Windows if the system recognizes your previous license.
- Sign in with the Microsoft Account: If your previous Windows 10 license was linked to a Microsoft account, ensure you are signed in with that account. This may allow Windows to recognize your previous activation.
- Contact Microsoft Support: If the above methods do not work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They may be able to help you recover your activation or provide alternative solutions.
- Reinstall Windows 10: If you have access to a Windows 10 installation media, you could reinstall Windows 10 using the same hardware configuration and then upgrade to Windows 11 again. This may allow you to use your previous license if it was still valid.
These steps may help you reactivate your Windows installation without needing to purchase a new license.
References:
- Check for a Firmware-Embedded Key: If your device has a firmware-embedded Windows activation key, you can retrieve it using PowerShell. Open an elevated PowerShell command prompt and run the following command: