Can't (re)activate Windows 11 after changing Secure Boot and reinstalling Windows

Question

Can't (re)activate Windows 11 after changing Secure Boot and reinstalling Windows

Johannes 0

Hello,

TLDR: Windows says it needs to be activated, even though I didn't change any hardware, and it can't find my digital license to link back to my device.

One or two weeks ago I messed around with secure boot settings, toggling it on and off a few times. After that, Windows Activation Settings showed:

"Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. Error code: 0xC004F213"

Normally running the Troubleshooter and selecting "I changed hardware on this device recently" fixes this, but this time it showed:

"Unable to activate Windows We can't find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you're using right now. Make sure you're signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on this device or try again later." (I ignored this for now)

I reinstalled Windows 11 yesterday (unrelated reasons) and now want to fix this, but nothing works.

Background: this was originally a Windows 7 license, carried through to Windows 10 (converted to digital license here) and then Windows 11. I've only ever used one Microsoft account throughout. Under https://account.microsoft.com/devices I see three Windows licenses listed, all as "Windows Core" edition (I'm not sure where the other two come from, or what a Windows Core Edition is; I assume its "Home", since that is what I always used).

What I've tried:

Checked activation status (not active)
Confirmed correct Microsoft account is signed in
Ran the troubleshooter multiple times — same messages
Entered the original Windows 7 license key
Confirmed it's Windows 11 Home (only ever used the home versions, and the original license is for a home version)
Tried activating via https://visualsupport.microsoft.com/ with the Install ID (from "slmgr /dti", since "SLUI 4" did nothing): "We're sorry, your Installation ID was unable to be validated."

Anybody have any ideas?

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Answer 1

DaveM121 931.9K Independent Advisor

When changes are made in BIOS, that may cause the hardware ID. of the processor or motherboard to change, that may cause the activation servers to think you have changed your PC, and because your Windows licence is based on a previous free upgrade from Windows 7, Microsoft changed the licensing rules a while ago, it is no longer possible to activate Windows 10 or 11 with a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence on new hardware (even though you have not changed your hardware).

If the Troubleshoot method is not working for you to activate Windows, then the only option will be to try to contact Microsoft Support directly to ask them if it is possible for them to reactivate your Windows licence.

Johannes 0 Reputation points

2026-09-17T12:43:51.66+00:00

That is unfortunate. Do you know when this change was? I feel like the last time I have reactivated it was less than a year ago.

But in any case, how do I contact the support? I've tried for hours yesterday, but I keep looping between the self help pages, the AI bot, the activation page I linked in my post. I can't for the life of me find a place where I can contact a human support person.
DaveM121 931.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-17T12:48:02.96+00:00

Their support is very hard to contact, I am not familiar with all the methods to contact their support in all locations, try to find a local support number or open the Get Help app in Windows and repeatedly ask the robot in that app to 'speak to a person', you may eventually get a link to speak to their support by live chat support.
Johannes 0 Reputation points

2026-09-17T14:19:56.2566667+00:00

Ok so, I managed to contact the support (selecting M365 as a topic on their site got me there eventually). They pretty much told me due to a combination of Hardware Changes since acquiring the license (though the last change was 2 years or so ago) and too many reinstallations on an OEM license, it can no longer be associated with my device, and I have to buy a new W11 home license. I was not aware I had an OEM license, I bought it at a store on disk back in the day. And the number of reinstallations the service rep quoted can't be true. She said 2-3 times (after buying the license!) is the max and I've definitely done it 6-7 times at least. I mean, it has been over a decade that I bought this license.

Anyway thanks for your help. Seriously considering deinstalling Windows completely now tbh. I have been trying out Linux for a couple months now and it has been great so far.
DaveM121 931.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-17T14:22:22.5166667+00:00

Okay, thank you for that information, glad to help!