Windows 10: Clean Reinstall Windows 11, No hardware changes, now Microsoft cannot find my Digital...

Hi everyone,I recently did a fresh reinstall of Windows 11 Home on my custom-built PC. I purchased my copy of Windows 11 Home from the Microsoft Store and am signed into the same Microsoft account I used for the purchase. However, after reinstalling, my system is not reactivating, and I am unable to select my PC for activation through my Microsoft account, even though it's listed under Devices.I've already tried the following troubleshooting steps:Running the Activation Troubleshooter, which did not resolve the issue.Selecting I changed hardware on this device recently from the troubleshooter,

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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.

 

Can't reactivate windows after a hardware change

Hi,

I didn't specifically follow the steps to prepare my device for a hardware change, I was unaware.

My account does appear to be linked as I see this account that I purchased windows 11 on listed as the administrator.

I have followed the steps for after the hardware change, and with the troubleshooter I get the message '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'.

Again I didn't follow the steps to link the digital license to my account, at least to my knowledge.

 

Unable retrieve my digital license for windows 10 after hardware change

Windows 10 Digital License

When you upgraded from a previous version of Windows or receive a new computer preinstalled with Windows 10, what happened is the hardware (your PC) will get a digital entitlement, where a unique signature of the computer will be stored on Microsoft
Activation Servers. The Windows 7 or Windows 8 genuine license you were previously running will be exchanged for a diagnostics key.

Anytime you need to reinstall Windows 10 on that machine, just proceed to reinstall Windows 10. It will automatically reactivate. You will prompted to enter a product key a couple times through the installation, click I don't have
a key and Do this later.

There is no need to know or get a new key, but if you have issues with Digital Licensing or the Activation Troubleshooter, you can utilize an existing Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product key you already own to
reactivate if necessary. or use the reset function in Windows 10.

Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

Reinstall by Performing a Direct Clean Install

If Windows 10 was already installed and activated on your system, just proceed to perform a direct clean install as described in the following articles.

Step 1: How
to download official Windows 10 ISO files

Step 2:

• How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10