Windows not activated after a Bios update

Question

Windows not activated after a Bios update

Edi Linić 0

Hello, yesterday i updated bios on my Gigabyte B550 Gaming V2 motherboard and today an Activate Windows watermark appeared, how can i fix this issue?

I tried troubleshooting but it says i cant activate windows on this device, nothing had changed but bios

EmilyS726 272.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-08T21:23:04.9366667+00:00

Hello,

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?

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!
Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T18:53:52.58+00:00

I bought it from a third party, i don't remember which one.

It was originally a win 10 key and then later upgraded to win 11, everything worked good until i updated bios on my motherboard 2 days ago.

Here is the SS
Neil D 34,455 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-09T19:04:28.7666667+00:00

Do you have the full product key ending in PGYP6.

If not get ShowKeyPlus and see if it displays the full 25 character product key. If it does or you do have the full key already enter the key at Check edition in the app.

What is the description of the licence.?
Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T19:18:45.09+00:00

Yes i do,

description is this

2 answers

Your answer

EmilyS726 272.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-08T21:23:04.9366667+00:00

Hello,

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?

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!
Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T18:53:52.58+00:00

I bought it from a third party, i don't remember which one.

It was originally a win 10 key and then later upgraded to win 11, everything worked good until i updated bios on my motherboard 2 days ago.

Here is the SS
Neil D 34,455 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-09T19:04:28.7666667+00:00

Do you have the full product key ending in PGYP6.

If not get ShowKeyPlus and see if it displays the full 25 character product key. If it does or you do have the full key already enter the key at Check edition in the app.

What is the description of the licence.?
Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T19:18:45.09+00:00

Yes i do,

description is this

Answer 1

EmilyS726 272.9K Independent Advisor

Thank you.

According to your screenshot, and also since you purchased from third party, you don't have digital license. You need the original 5x5 license key given to you from third party. This key will not be listed via ShowKey Plus because it is not an OEM key embedded in the motherboard. You need to find that key to reactivate your Windows.

Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T20:10:16.32+00:00

I know both of my keys, the other one i found In BackupProducktKeyDefault. but i cant activate windows with any of them, it seems BIOS update wiped that key from my motherboard, want to know how to fix that.
EmilyS726 272.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-09T20:13:40.53+00:00

You mean the key you found from registry? That's not it. A legitimate license key is NEVER saved in registry. There are way too many internet articles claiming this method and it is misleading. The key in the registry is a placeholder key. You need the key from the retailer. Do you have that copy?
Edi Linić 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T20:21:04.55+00:00

from the retailer i got product key ending in PGYP6.
EmilyS726 272.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-09T20:25:36.74+00:00
Thanks! And this is the key that won't work either?

If that's the case,

Please type cmd in the search on the taskbar. Don't press enter key yet. Instead, choose "run as administrator" to launch Command Prompt.

Run these commands one a time:

slmgr /upk

slmgr /cpky

Then wait a few hours, then input your own key again.

Answer 2

A BIOS update can cause Windows to see the device as having a significant hardware change, which can break activation because the digital license is tied to the device hardware.

Try these steps:

Check activation status:
- In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
- If Windows is not activated, continue with the steps shown there.
Run the Activation troubleshooter:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
- This option is available only when Windows 11 is not activated.
- An internet connection is required, and the account must have administrator rights.
If the BIOS update changed the hardware identity, try reactivation with a product key:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation > Change product key.
- Enter the 25-character product key if one is available.
If the motherboard was changed by the original hardware manufacturer, the PC should reactivate automatically. If it does not, use the product key from the COA card if the device has one.
If troubleshooting still says Windows cannot be activated on this device, contact Microsoft Support directly. In similar BIOS-update cases, when the hardware-change reactivation method does not work, direct support is the next step.

Also note: if Windows was not activated before the BIOS update, activation must be completed first before hardware-change recovery can work.