Windows activation after bios update

Win 11 Pro MS Store purchase.

msi Z790 ACE Motherboard.

I suffered tremendously with this issue, and I couldn't resolve it with all mentioned methods like reg edits, scripts, whatever until I found a way to get in contact with human MS support person after a series of BOT/AI dogging.

However, that ended up in almost 2-3 weeks of mailing back and forth partially due to the fact I didn't allow them remote access to my PC and I would never allow it to anyone as Im skilled enough to handle everything necessary.

That resulted me having collected specific LOG files and sending them to the support contact.

Next, they requested me to go to the bank and get a written statement and stamped from my bank where the specific MS Store transaction was visible with date and everything else, then I had to scan it and watch this ...send it in Microsoft Word format.
So, after I provided everything requested It seems the support did "something" and now my Win 11 Pro account is restored, and I changed like 3-time Bios versions on my msi Z790 ACE and the Windows kept ACTIVATED.
Before that it was a nightmare every time I update BIOS , PUFF! Windows show they have to be Activated and nothing I did or try could get it Activated, prompting me to buy NEW Windows license.

Looking at Linux this morning in case the worst happens.

Everyone! Do not update your BIOS unless it is a first boot with a USB BIOS flash file on an initial build or replacing a MOBO.

This is turning into a nightmare for users and MS is MIA!

With the new features I do not want (AI, Chat, Bing, Co-Pilot etc) this is becoming a less attractive OS even though you just have to push the easy button.

Probably a good move and to delete all your deices at MS and relink them one at a time.

In my case I had stuff linked that I have not had for years.

Also delete any credit cards in your MS account. They are lurking in strange places so check all the cracks.

Looking at Linux this morning in case the worst happens.

Everyone! Do not update your BIOS unless it is a first boot on an initial build.

This is turning into a nightmare for users and MS is MIA!

With the new features I do not want (AI, Chat, Bing, Co-Pilot etc) this is becoming a less attractive OS even though you just have to push the easy button.

Totally disagree with you on this one,

BIOS is there to be updated by design. and MS has to get their **** together regarding licensing issues it worked before without issues, so it has to work again.

This is sole MS issue and their wicked licensing policy.
BTW I changed to 14th GEN I9 14900K so updating my meg Z790 ACE BIOS was a MUST!

Thanks for your Help. But I am but I'm afraid and now I leave everything as it is.

Regards, Roland, Germany

Good move!

Quote from Willie Wonka, "“Oh, you should never, never, doubt what nobody is sure about.”

Also, MS has no vested interest in fixing this for everyone at this time. Economics do not support this in the short term (force people to buy another license is a win/win in the short term only). It is our problem until this attitude changes when customer sales start to go down. This could be a very, very long time.

People have options just not the easiest ones but doable. Had a similar customer service issue with a product from a very large company with an outstanding name. My choice was to never purchase any products from them again. Painful to say the least but you do have a vote.

Internet research shows sporadic issues on BIOS update back as far as 2018 and maybe before 2012.

BIOS Update - Windows Activation - Microsoft Community

Created on May 7, 2018

Activation loss after BIOS update - Windows 10 Forums (tenforums.com)

windows 8 deactivated after BIOS update - Microsoft Community

If you are replacing a MOBO on an existing system you still have a choice to update the BIOS on initial boot from a USB flash file. This may or may not work. YMMV

I am on the user side on this issue and would be very surprised if this is fixed for most users in a software drop or something else.

What I am doing is not replacing any hardware on my units for as long as I can hold out. And use all the tools that people posted in this thread if I have to do a hardware change.

Many thanks to the good folks who posted work arounds for the all the users in this thread.

Like Dirty Harry said, " Do you feel lucky today?"