Windows 10: Unable to Activate Windows 11 after SSD Change

I have a Lenovo Legion Y540 model.It came with a pre installed 256 Gb SSD and Windows 10 Pre installed. I upgraded to windows 11. and now i want to upgrade the SSD disk to 1 TB. No when i have installed the SSD and reinstalled windows, logged in with the same email through which the earlier system was working, i am unable to activate the Windows on the new 1TB SSD installation. Any help regarding this.Thanks in advance

:)

 

Unable to activate Windows after SSD change

I recently had my SSD replaced by my PC manufacturer (Alienware) after it failed. I have reinstalled Windows 10 onto the new SSD however Windows will not activate. So far technical support at Alienware have been unable to fix the issue and have suggested
reaching out for help here. The motherboard has not been changed. Windows was installed via USB using the most up to date version of Windows. I have removed all other devices from my Microsoft account. Using the 'I changed my hardware' option on the Activation
troubleshooter will not work.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

 

Win 11 Activation after change of SSD

Hi

I bought a Minisforum PC with Win 11 pre installed. The SSD has susbequently failed and I have installed a new SSD.

I am unable to activate Win 11 on the new SSD. I managed to obtain the 25 digit license key from the preivous SSD and have input it but the activation process will not activate Win 11.

I can see the old machine within Devices in my Microsoft account (MA) and am guessing that becase this the machine still seems active to Microsoft it won't accept two machines with the same license number.

If I unlink the old machine within the MA will I be able to input the key and allow activation.

 

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.