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Windows 11 Pro activation after hardware change

Stephen Ride 0 Reputation points
2025-12-05T19:54:36.0933333+00:00

Hello,

I upgraded to Windows 11 Pro from windows 10 after upgrading my PC's hardware (motherboard changed) now I can't reactivate windows and the troubleshooter cannot resolve it either. Presumably the product key I have is still linked to my old motherboard?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. Rez 10,615 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T21:35:31.9966667+00:00

    Got it, that helps a lot. Since it started as a Windows 7 retail key that was upgraded, you’re in a good spot because retail licenses can be transferred to new hardware. Here’s what you can do: go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select “Change product key,” then enter your original Windows 7 key. If that doesn’t work, try the Activation Troubleshooter again while signed in with your Microsoft account.

    Please take note, if it still fails, using keys from older versions of Windows to activate Windows 11 have been disabled.

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  1. Rez 10,615 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T20:26:08.6933333+00:00

    Hi Stephen, when you change major hardware like the motherboard, Windows sees it as a new device, so the digital license tied to your old hardware doesn’t automatically transfer. If your Windows 11 Pro upgrade was linked to a Microsoft account, you can usually reactivate by signing in and running the activation troubleshooter. If that didn’t work, let’s check a couple of things: is your product key from a retail version or OEM? Retail keys can be reused, but OEM keys are locked to the original motherboard. Also, are you signed in with the same Microsoft account you used before the upgrade? If yes, we can try reactivating through Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot. If not, you might need to enter the original product key manually. Do you still have that key handy?

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