Windows 11 Digital License Activation Issue - Oct 2023

Anonymous
2023-10-16T20:08:55+00:00

Issue: I recently re-built my PC with a new motherboard and SSD, installed Windows 11 Pro and attempted activation of the digital license in my account. The activation has failed with: "We weren't able to activate Windows on this device". Clicking the option "I changed hardware on this device recently" does not show the old computer to transfer the license from.

The digital license was purchased directly from Microsoft for Windows 10 Pro, then that system was upgraded to Windows 11. From the order screen, I can see that the order was for Windows 10/11 Pro so that shouldn't be a problem. I can also see the new PC and the old PC listed in my account under devices.

I opened a case with Microsoft and they stated there is a "global issue" with activation and they might need to regenerate a key for me to use. Then they transferred me to another team. The second rep took some screenshots of the error and a screenshot of a receipt showing a new hardware purchase (that was a first for me) and said I would receive a call back. The call back was the third rep I spoke to, who said it's again a global issue and it might fix itself in a week, but they did not have any reliable timeframe and didn't provide a path for regular updates / follow up on this issue.

In the meantime, I have a legitimate license for Windows and PC I can't customize and the watermark on the screen that's getting in the way with my work and gaming.

My question here - can anyone shed some light on this "global issue", if it's actually a documented problem, and what / when the expected resolution is? Can I just call and get to some team that will just regenerate a key so I can be on my way? The solution provided by support (waiting an undetermined amount of time) isn't acceptable.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-11-10T17:35:26+00:00

    I've been having issues activating with my digital license as well. I spoke with them today and they claim they are still trying to resolve a global issue with their servers after a policy change. They keep telling me the same thing - wait another 24-48 hours and try again while they resolve it on their end. It's been 5 days and no progress. 4 support cases with MS and they all say the same thing - global issue impacting many customers. I personally don't think they really know how to fix whatever the issue is atm.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-09T10:14:49+00:00

    Still have the issue. called MS and they act like im scamming .its a bios issue with all boards.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-29T22:18:30+00:00

    They(Microsoft) get you on bios update and if its pro they unactivate your windows ,,

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-23T21:03:24+00:00

    This is exactly what I need too. My mother board had to be changed out after some water damage within a week of my upgrading to Windows 11Pro. How did you even get to alive person at MSFT Support?? I keep getting sent to filing a ticket for a callback. I've logged 2 tickets with no callbacks., Verrrrry frustrating!

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  5. Igor Leyko 112.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-10-23T14:59:30+00:00

    Windows 10 purchase may be applied too.

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