FIX: Windows Activation issues after BIOS update or Hardware change.

If Windows asks for activation after updating the BIOS or after a major hardware change, follow the instructions in this guide to solve the problem.

When you buy a device with Windows 10/11 pre-installed by the manufacturer (OEM), or when you install and activate Windows 10/11 using a purchased product key (RETAIL), a digital license is associated with your device hardware.

This means that if you make major hardware changes to your device (such as replacing the motherboard), Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device's hardware, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows again.

However, many users have reported that Windows loses activation after updating the BIOS, which should not normally be considered a major hardware change. *

* Note: This particular problem usually occurs on Windows 10/11 computers with TPM enabled, and the only way to avoid the problem is to disable TPM before updating the BIOS. More specifically follow these steps to update BIOS without losing Windows Activation.

1. Suspend or Turn off BitLocker.
2. Restart the Computer.
3. Enter in BIOS and Disable TPM. Then Save and Exit.
4. During Windows logon you may be asked to set a new PIN. If so, type a new PIN, login to Windows and check activation status (Windows should be activated).
5. Then proceed to update the BIOS.
6. After updating BIOS, restart the computer and then check if the Activation is still Active (Windows should be activated)
7. Restart the computer again, re-enable TPM and Windows should stay Activated.

In this tutorial you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to reactivate Windows 11/10, after a BIOS update or a significant hardware change.

How to FIX: Windows 10/11 Needs Activation after BIOS Update or Hardware Upgrade.

Step 1. Remove the Product Key from Windows.

1. Type "powershell" in Search and then click run PowerShell As Administrator

2. In PowerShell type the following commands in order (press Enter after each command:*

• slmgr -upk
• slmgr /cpky
• slmgr /rearm

* Notes:
1. After the execution of each command click OK on the information message.
2. The first two commands delete the product key from Windows and the registry, and the third resets the activation timers.

3. Reboot then PC and then continue to step-2 below.

Step 2. Re-Activate Windows.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update and Security and select Activation on the left.*

* Note: On Windows 11 go to: Start > Settings > System and select Activation on the right.

2. Then, try the following in order:

a. If you own a product key, click Change Product Key and try to activate Windows again by entering your product key. (If activation fails again, continue reading below)

b. If you don't own a product key or the activation fails after re-entering your product key:

1. Click Troubleshoot to open the Activation troubleshooter.

2. Let the troubleshooter to identify the problem and according the result, proceed as follows:

• If the troubleshooter finds a digital license for your device, click Activate Windows.

• If the troubleshooter cannot find a digital license and you own a Microsoft account connected to your device, proceed as follows:

1. Select I changed hardware on this device recently and then click Next.
2. Type the connected Microsoft Account name and password and click Sign in.
3. In the list of devices, locate your device and then select the checkbox next to This is the device I’m using right now.
4. Click Activate. *

ADDTIONAL HELP

If you are unable to re-activate Windows using the instructions above, then try the following to solve the Windows activation problem.

1. Go to account.microsoft.com/devices and remove your device from there. Then, follow again the instructions on step-2 above to reactivate Windows.

2. Contact Microsoft Support and report the problem.

3. Buy a new Windows License from Windows Store. (To do that, go to 'Activation' options and select Open Store (or Go to Store in Windows 10).

4. Activate Windows using a third-party activation script called "MAS" (also known as "Microsoft Activation Scripts"), which is not a legit method to activate Windows, but is listed on the Microsoft support forums as a solution to the reported problem. To activate Windows using the "MAS" activation script, follow the instructions below: *

* Attention (Disclaimer): Use the script at your own risk and only if you already have a valid Windows 10/11 license for the device and do not wish to purchase a new one.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

2. Type the following command and hit Enter:

• irm https://get.activated.win | iex

3. On the next screen, type "1" and then wait for the script to activate Windows.

4. When you receive on the screen the message "Windows is permanently activated with a digital license" press any key to go back and then press "0" to exit.

5. Finally check the Windows Activation status and you're done!

That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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