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Hi there!
Yesterday I swapped out my motherboard because my old motherboard would no longer boot up. Unfortunately, now I'm running into an issue where Windows is not being activated automatically. I did a clean reinstall of Windows 11 home edition on the PC.
I'm logged in with the same Microsoft account and I've tried using the troubleshooter, pressed the button 'I recently changed hardware on this device', but it's stating that there are no devices found to use the product key from. This is strange, because it's the same computer as I was using before (just with the new motherboard). Unfortunately I couldn't find any way to speak to someone from Microsoft directly, so that's why I'm posting the question on here.
It would be a shame if I had to buy the license again.
Kind regards,
Rick
A new motherboard is considered the same as a new PC by the activation servers.
Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?
Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?
To be honest: I can't even recall. It's indeed a license I've had for a long time and was converted from Windows 7, to 8, to 10, now 11.
If your licence is based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence, that is causing the activation errors.
Microsoft changed the licensing rules a good while ago, after they changed the rules it is no longer possible to activate Windows 10 or 11 on a new motherboard or new PC, they indicate the free upgrade licence dies with the old motherboard, they have that blocked that on the activation servers, you will need to purchase a new Windows licence for the new motherboard.
Alright! That's clear then, thanks a lot for your response. Not what I wanted to hear of course, but at least I understand now. Thanks!
