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Hello, I need assistance recovering my Windows 11 Pro activation.
I purchased a gaming PC in October 2021 with Windows 10 Pro preinstalled. I have the original seller's email confirming that Windows 10 Pro was installed using an OEM license. I later upgraded to Windows 11 Pro through Microsoft's normal upgrade process.
On October 10, 2026, I updated my ASUS PRIME B550M-A Wi-Fi motherboard BIOS to version 3636 and temporarily attempted a CPU upgrade. I reinstalled my original processor, and the original motherboard remains installed.
Following these changes, Windows suddenly became deactivated.
Diagnostics:
Windows activation error: 0xC004C003
Licensing notification error: 0xC004F034
Installed product key channel: Retail
Activation troubleshooter: No eligible digital license found
Microsoft Product Activation Portal: Product not recognized
The PC is registered under my Microsoft account.
I understand the installed Retail-channel key may differ from the original OEM license.
Could you please investigate whether Microsoft's activation records contain a previous Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro digital entitlement for this device, and determine whether reactivation is possible without purchasing another license?
I would also like to know whether the current installed key has been blocked or whether this is a hardware-identification issue resulting from the BIOS update.
I do not want to reinstall Windows or lose my existing applications and data.
Just to add. Contact Microsoft Support directly via the Get Help app in windows. Search the phrase billing then select Contact Support at the bottom of the window.
There will be a couple more filters to select then you should see Chat with a support agent in your web browser.
A BIOS update may change the Hardware Id. of the processor or motherboard and that causes the activation servers to think you have installed Windows on a new PC, this is a widely reported problem.
If the activation troubleshooter process is not resolving this problem for you, that is the only available option, this forum is just a user to user forum, you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly, tell them a BIOS update deactivated Windows and they will be able to reactivate your Windows licence for you.
