Windows 10: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro reactivation after hardware change

I recently had to change the motherboard and CPU in my computer due to the previous motherboard PCIE slot dying. I tried to use the activation troubleshooting -> recently changed hardware and then clicking on my computer name and selecting activate but this gives me a generic error that it was not able to activate.I have opened 4 support tickets with Microsoft and spent an hour on the phone with them 2 times to be "transferred" to technical support which never happens and I eventually give up and hang up. All 4 support cases were closed without contacting me or verifying that anything was

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Windows 11 Pro will not reactivate after a hardware change.

I recently changed motherboard, processor, and RAM, but kept my old SSDs and GPU. As expected, my license was kicked due to the difference in hardware ID, but it is now refusing to reactivate.

It is a legitimate digital license purchased from the Microsoft Store on my Microsoft account, which I use to sign into Windows on both the old hardware and the new. I have attempted the activation troubleshooter and the "I recently changed hardware" link multiple times. I was given a list of machines I own, selected the correct, one, and received a failure message stating:

"Unable to activate Windows

We can't reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later."

I called Microsoft support and they told me this was a global issue and to try again in 24-48 hours. Well, now it's been four days, and I tried again, and now my old PC name isn't showing up in the list anymore...

I'm getting pretty frustrated. This is a legitimate copy of Windows 11 Pro and I just want it activated again. Is there an activation team I can call?

 

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.

 

Windows 10 reactivation on hardware changes

Hi Florea,

It is possible that Windows won't be able to identify your computer correctly that is why the operating system is not activated. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps in this
article on how to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

Let us know if you need further assistance.