Windows 10: Windows 11 License after hardware modification

Hello everybody,need your help here. I changed the motherboard and the CPU of my build and after I installed Microsoft Windows 11 Home and login into my account during installation, I found that Windows didn't reactivate by itself.I used the troubleshooter and choose the "I made hardware change" option, and then it says that I can't reactivate the previous device since it was using "Windows Core" and the version doesn't match.But the problem is that the old configuration was using Windows 11 Home as well. How is it possible?Thank you

:)

 

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 11 digital license

Hi Mike, I am , a fellow Microsoft user like you.

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're facing with reactivating your Windows 11 digital license.

First off, did your Windows 11 license work fine before the BIOS update?

When encountering error code 0xC004F211, it usually indicates a hardware change.

Have you tried selecting the "I changed hardware on this device recently" option when using the activation troubleshooter?

Here are the steps to follow:

> Go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot.

> The troubleshooter will indicate that "Windows can’t be activated on your device."

> Select "I changed hardware on this device recently," then click Next.

> Enter your connected Microsoft account and password, and then click Sign in. The troubleshooter will only work with the connected Microsoft account.

> From the list of devices linked to your Microsoft account, select the checkbox next to "This is the device I’m using right now."

> Click Activate.

Let me know how it goes, and let me know if you have any further questions.

 

Windows 10 or 11 after hardware modification

Hi, I am Van. I'll be glad to assist you today.

The standard way is to install Windows 10, activate the system, and then upgrade it to Windows 11.

However, there are cases where you can still use a Windows 7/8/10 license key to activate Windows 11 of the same edition.