Windows 11 deactivated after a CPU upgrade, and Microsoft’s "tech support" AI support tells me to buy another license

I’m honestly furious about this.

I had a Windows 8 license years ago, upgraded to Windows 10 and then Windows 11 Pro, and stayed activated throughout. The digital license was linked to my Microsoft account.

Recently, I replaced only the CPU. Same motherboard, same Windows installation, same account. Windows immediately lost activation with error 0xC004F211.

I’ve tried all the standard routes:

• Activation Troubleshooter → “I changed hardware recently”: no eligible devices found.
• Original Windows 8 key: rejected.
• Microsoft’s Activation Portal, using the Installation ID from slmgr /dti: “Unable to verify your installation ID.”

Making this worse, Microsoft’s support chatbot feels like a stupid AI model that keeps gaslighting me - citing forum replies as official policy and telling me to buy another license instead of investigating. The worst part is that reaching an actual human in support seems impossible...

I understand that new free upgrades using Windows 7/8 keys ended. But this is an existing Windows 11 digital license on the same PC after a CPU replacement. If that invalidates my license, show me the actual Microsoft policy or license clause.

Has anyone with a Windows 8 → 10 → 11 license successfully restored activation after a recent hardware change? What worked, and how did you reach a human who could actually help?

Please don’t suggest the troubleshooter again or buying another key. I want my existing license investigated, not another sales pitch.