Windows 10: Updated BIOS now Windows 11 is no longer active, I cannot activate it

The error message says "windows reported that the hardware of your device has changed" this is not true.I am logged into the account I bought the license on, it is an admin accountI went through the process of troubleshooting I clicked "I recently changed hardware of this device" even though I did not, I went along with the path and I got the message "unable to activate windows", then I clicked see other devices linked to this microsoft account and I see a computer that I have never seen before I don't know who it belongs toWhen I go to my microsoft account through a browser and check on ass

:)

 

Cant Activate Windows 11 after BIOS Update !

Updating your motherboard's BIOS should not affect your Windows 11 activation, as activation is tied to your Microsoft account, not your hardware. However, it's possible that something went wrong during the BIOS update that caused your Windows 11 activation to be lost.

To resolve the issue, you can try the following:

1. Check that you're signed in to Windows 11 with the same Microsoft account you used to activate it.
   
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click on "Troubleshoot" to run the activation troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions and select "I recently changed hardware on this device" when prompted.
   
3. If the troubleshooter doesn't work, try using the "Change product key" option in the Activation settings to manually enter your product key. You can find your product key on the Windows 11 packaging or in the email from Microsoft when you purchased the license.
   

Let me know if you need further help.

 

After a successful BIOS update Windows 10 is no longer activated.

After a successful BIOS update Windows 10 is no longer activated.

Error code: 0xC004C003 "Activation server has determined that specific product has been blocked"

Following the link to the STORE it says that "Something happened and we couldn't make your copy of Windows genuine."

Try again (button)

After clicking on the blue button a UAC box pops up, click Yes.

The Store now says "You're running a genuine version of Windows 10 Home." However the Activation page from the settings still says the Windows is not activated.

I get no option to call MS support as is suggested in the help about hardware changes.

Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

 

Activation issue after updating BIOS

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues with activation on your PC after updating BIOS, and I certainly appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve the issue by following certain troubleshooting steps.



For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below:

1. Did Windows 10 came pre-installed on your PC?
   
2. What is the error message that you receive while activating Windows?
   

Since you have already tried using the Activation troubleshooter I would suggest you to try activating the copy of Windows using Phone Activation.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type SLUI 04 and hit
   Enter.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   

In addition, you can also check if the Software Protection Service is running. Kindly follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and click on
   OK.
2. Now, look for Software Protection service, right click on it and select
   Restart.

However, it would be great if you can get in touch with our Technical Support team using the
Chat or
Call channel for further assistance with the issue as they can
assist you better with the query.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator