Windows 11 free download reactivation

Wade Clemons 0 Reputation points
2026-08-31T12:39:40.0566667+00:00

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.

Windows for home | Other | Licensing and activation
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  1. DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T14:22:39.8833333+00:00

    Their support is very hard to contact, I am not familiar with the methods to contact their support in all locations, try to find a local phone number to contact their support.

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  2. DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T13:53:00.0533333+00:00

    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.

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  3. DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T13:30:37.2266667+00:00

    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

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  4. Wade Clemons 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-31T13:26:43.6433333+00:00

    I was running windows 10 and loaded 11 free upgrade some time ago.

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  5. DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T13:15:35.08+00:00

    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?

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