Same computer linked twice to microsoft account, only one with Windows licence

Question

Same computer linked twice to microsoft account, only one with Windows licence

Alex ROUVIERE 0

Hey !

Recently I had to reconnect my windows account to my computer, it seems to have created a second version of my computer.

So now both version are linked to my Microsoft account, but only one has the Windows Licence.

It appears that I cannot switch from one to another, I tried to delete the one without activated Windows but it doesn't change anything and when I try to update my account informations it says "We couldn't connect, a problem appears trying to connect".

So now my computer works but it says that my Windows Licence isn't activated, I can see both version of my computer on my account and don't know how to unstuck this situation.

Could you help me ?

Thanks in advance

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Answer 1

EmilyS726 271.5K Independent Advisor

Hello,

Having the same computer listed twice under your Microsoft account does not necessarily mean you have two separate Windows licenses. The device list and Windows activation are managed separately. Removing a device from that list will not restore activation. And I will recommend against removing them.

Was it activated before then all in sudden it lost activation?

If so, can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!

Also,

How did you obtain your license initially?

Did it come with the device preinstalled, or did you purchase it?

If you purchased it, did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?

Is it originally a Win7/8 key?

Just to make sure, is the motherboard changed?

Alex ROUVIERE 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T07:27:40.24+00:00

Hey, thanks for your help.

What happened in details is that I wanted to play Battlefield 6, for that I needed secure boot mode. When I activated it, my computer stopped working completly, the motherboard was apparently deactivated. An IT guy helped me to reactivate it, but it seems that my computer sees that as a change of motherboard.

That's when the second device (down on the screenshot) appeared on my microsoft account, without any licence linked to it.

And here is the screenshot from cmd :

I am not sure about how I got the Windows Licence, it was some time ago, perhaps it came with the computer
EmilyS726 271.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-09T13:31:01.4166667+00:00

Have you already tried the activation troubleshooter? go to Settings > System > Activation, run the troubleshooter, choose the hardware change option. When it asks you where it is installed on right now, you should choose the old device name. Then click on Activate button. And on the next screen when it asks you where to transfer it to, choose your new device name. See if that does the trick.

Unfortunately, without knowing how the license was purchased and whether it was a Windows 7 or 8 license to begin with, and not knowing what the IT person did exactly to the motherboard, I can't guarnatee that that will work for sure.
Alex ROUVIERE 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T13:40:00.0033333+00:00

I see, the troubleshooting doesn't work and when I select "I changed hardware recently" it tells me that it doesn't detect any widnows licence to link to.

The IT person did a flash of my bios to be able to reconnect my motherboard (I don't know if it makes sense) and it seems to have erased my product key.
EmilyS726 271.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-09T13:44:36.6933333+00:00

Yeah, this is why knowing the key history would help.

If the troubleshooter doesn't work, I don't think you have a retail digital license. Considering you don't recall purchasing it separate from the computer, it is unlikely you have the retail digital license. Seeing the device in your account doesn't mean you own the license of that device, it can simply mean your account considers that device a trusted device, so it will not prompt you for 2FA.

Is this computer a custom built?
Alex ROUVIERE 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T13:50:18.81+00:00

Oh I see, it is indeed a custom build, does that make it harder to get a solution ? 😔
EmilyS726 271.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-09T13:55:00.1+00:00

Depends... at least we have a bit of a lead.

If it is a custom-built computer, if the builder followed licensing terms/protocol, they should apply the license sticker somewhere on the computer, or at least give you the box with the sticker not peeled yet. On the sticker it should have the 5x5 key, and you need that to enter it, as long as the IT person didn't manipulate the motherboard to change HWID.

So, see if you can find this sticker, typically on the back or bottom. If you find it, go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key to enter it.