Windows activation after bios update

I read somewhere (can't find it now) that CPU is no longer used/TBD

I was under the impression that MS linked the CPU id to the license? The BIOS serial shouldn't change from a simple firmware update!

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

When installing Windows 11, the digital license associates itself with your device's hardware. If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.  

To activate Windows, you'll need either a digital license or a product key. To find out which you need, see "What activation method do I use, product key or digital license?" in Activate Windows. Then, use the following info to help you successfully prepare for a hardware change and reactivate Windows.

Reactivating Windows after a hardware change - Microsoft Support

The solution is on page 21 or 20 I think. I have same board. Worked perfectly for me.

yeah, it's like after each bios update they record your license and match it to the BIOS of all things.

So you end up with multiple copies for the same computer.

If you delete the wrong one it messes with the Activation it seems.

Strange scenario completely created by Microsoft that really does not track your existing

computer at all, just the BIOS.

Just been going through this thread, had same problem with ASUS ROG Strix X570-e Gaming, update from BIOS 4608 to 5003.

MS told me to buy a new license.

Was about to nuke my system and go Linux Mint when saw the script fix.

As paying customers, we should not be having to do this.

MS, sort your selves out!!!

Had the same problem after MSI z690 carbon wifi bios update. There is indeed 4 instances of the same PC listed under my name in Microsoft account. But turns out it's 4 different versions of the same pc. I guess Microsoft allows you to run 4 instances of windows, but they register different bios versions as different computers. My father has a laptop and a desktop machine. Both of them are working with a single license under the same account, this confirms the multiple allowed instances theory.

The solution to my problem was simple. I had to tick the previous version of the machine in Microsoft account as the currently used. Windows active again.