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I recently updated the UEFI (BIOS) on a ASRock Taichi motherboard. Now I get this error: 0x803FABC3. I've tried the troubleshooter and clicked on the "I've recently updated hardware" tab. I've tried the product key from the copy of Windows 7 I bought way back when. (I upgraded to 10 from 7 and 11 from 10) I did a clean Windows reinstall last summer without this problem. I can see my computer on my Microsoft account, but can't get it to associate that with my machine now. I've tried calling Microsoft but it says product activation support is only online. After exhausting the steps online, it says to call.
Anyone have any idea what to do next?
Hello
If you originally upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, all the way to Windows 11, that's the problem.
It used to be allowed, but that's a path way Microsoft no longer allows. The free upgrade is meant for Windows 10 only, not all the way to Windows 11.
This is what Microsoft support has been telling other users.
Interesting. I've had Win 11 Pro for a couple of years now and did a complete clean install (of the same Win 11 Pro) last summer. With the slmgr/dli command, I can see my partial key (so I know there's a key associated with my license) and it even says retail channel. Weird that MS would basically take away a valid key now...
It is a valid key for Windows 7 and a valid digital entitlement for Windows 10, but not for Windows 11 anymore. Many users have run into this. Upgraded fine, used it for several years, then it went away after hardware change, bios update, or a simple reset on the same hardware.
Soooo, MS violated their own terms and conditions as set forth in the upgrade agreement?
Technically it was announced here: https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-windows-ends-installation-path-for-free-windows-7-8-upgrade
And there's no Microsoft license agreement or official promise stating that a Windows 7 license gives the owner unlimited free upgrades to future Windows versions, including Windows 11.
Anyway, I am independent. Just pointing out the information. The decision wasn't made by me.
