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My computer running windows 11 free download was hit by lightning and damaged my motherboard. I was able to replace motherboard, processor, and memory. I used existing hard drive and windows 11 OS. Everything works fine but I am unable to activate windows. I have tried everything available with no help.
There is no free Windows licence, what is the basis of the free upgrade to Windows 11 you performed on your PC, was a previous OEM version of Windows pre-installed on the PC and if so, which version of Windows or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?
Or was your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?
I was running windows 10 and loaded 11 free upgrade some time ago.
Thank you for that information.
Where did you get the Windows 10 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
I purchased 10. Can’t remember when or where. It was not already loaded.
If you purchased a full Windows 10 retail licence separately to the PC, in the Activation settings window, click the Troubleshoot button, then choose 'I changed my hardware' and in the resulting list, you should see the previously activated device to move the Windows licence to the new hardware.
If that process is not successful in activating Windows, you will need to contact Microsoft support directly to get Windows reactivated.
