Windows 10: Windows 11 Activation Woes

Hi all, hopefully you can help.Had my PC since 2020. I didn't buy the Windows 10 Pro license at the time through Microsoft, I don't recall where from, but it was a 3rd party. I have never had issues activating after numerous rebuilds in the past, I tend to do it each year to keep things fresh. I've never had a change of hardware in that time.Rewind a couple of months. I got a new 4TB M2 drive. I installed Windows 11 Pro, etc. on it, and activated it after some initial difficulties.Last week, I decided I didn't like where Windows was installed and installed it back on my 2TB M2, keeping my 4TB

:)

 

Activating Windows 11 after a hardware change

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you reactivate your Windows 11:

1. Check Activation Status:
   
   • Open Settings.
     
   • Go to System > Activation.
     
   • Ensure that your Windows is listed as activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
     
2. Link Microsoft Account:
   
   • If your Microsoft account is not linked, you need to link it first.
     
   • In Settings, go to Accounts and ensure your Microsoft account is linked to your Windows.
     
3. Run Activation Troubleshooter:
   
   • Go to Settings > System > Activation.
     
   • Click on Troubleshoot.
     
   • The troubleshooter will detect that Windows can't be activated on your device.
     
4. Select Hardware Change Option:
   
   • In the troubleshooter, select I changed hardware on this device recently.
     
5. Sign In to Microsoft Account:
   
   • Enter your Microsoft account credentials.
     
   • From the list of devices linked to your Microsoft account, select the checkbox next to This is the device I’m using right now.
     
   • If you don’t see your device, ensure you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
     
6. Activate Windows:
   
   • Click Activate.
     

If you encounter issues where the edition does not match, it is likely because the digital license linked to your account is for Windows 10 Home, and you are now running Windows 11 Home. This mismatch can sometimes cause activation issues.

• Edition Mismatch: If the troubleshooter indicates an edition mismatch, ensure that you are using the same edition of Windows that was originally linked to your digital license. In your case, both should be Home editions, so this should not be an issue.
  
• Correct Microsoft Account: Double-check that you are using the same Microsoft account that was linked to your digital license.
  

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or if you need further assistance.

 

Windows activation woes

Hi,

For better assistance with your Windows activation issue, we'd like to know the following:

• Were you getting an error when you try to activate your Windows?
  
• "even though it is a brand new SSD - which is another of my query - might be a motherboard issue surfacing" - Have you replaced the motherboard of your computer?
  

In the meantime, you may check the following articles to troubleshoot the issue:

• Get help with Windows activation errors
  
• Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
  

We're looking forward to your reply.

 

Windows Activation Problem (Problem with degrading back to activated windows 11 home)

I can help you with that. Here are the steps on how to go back to Windows 11 Home Single Language edition:

1. Disconnect your computer from the internet.
   
2. Boot your computer into Safe Mode. To do this, follow these steps:
   
   • Press the power button to turn on your computer.
     
   • Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
     
   • Keep holding the Shift key until you see the Choose an option screen.
     
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
   
4. Click on Advanced options.
   
5. Click on Start-up Settings.
   
6. Click on the Restart button.
   
7. When your computer restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the 4 key to select Safe Mode with Networking.
   
8. Once your computer boots into Safe Mode, connect it to the internet.
   
9. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, follow these steps:
   
   • Click on the Start button.
     
   • Type cmd in the search bar.
     
   • Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
     
10. In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:
    

Use code with caution.

1. Press Enter.
   
2. Close the Command Prompt window.
   
3. Restart your computer.
   

Your computer should now be back to Windows 11 Home Single Language edition.

If the above steps do not work, you can try using a different product key to activate Windows 11 Home Single Language. You can find a list of valid product keys on Microsoft's website.

If you still cannot activate Windows 11 Home Single Language, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.