need to reactivate windows

Run the Windows 11 Activation troubleshooter and select I changed hardware on this device recently, because a BIOS update can cause Windows activation to treat the device as changed.^1^

Reactivate a digital license

1. Connect the PC to the internet.
2. Sign in to Windows using the same Microsoft account previously associated with its Windows digital license.
3. Open Start → Settings → System → Activation.
4. Select Troubleshoot.
5. Select I changed hardware on this device recently → Next.
6. Sign in to the connected Microsoft account if prompted.
7. Find the PC in the device list, select This is the device I’m using right now, and then select Activate.^2^

Also check the edition shown under Settings → System → Activation. The installed edition—Windows 11 Home or Pro—must match the edition covered by the original license.^2^

If you have a product key

Open Settings → System → Activation → Change product key, enter the 25-character key, and complete activation.^3^

The key may be:

• Preinstalled on the PC or supplied with its packaging or Certificate of Authenticity.
• In the retailer’s confirmation email or online account.
• In the Microsoft purchase confirmation email or Microsoft account order history.
• Unnecessary if Windows came from a free upgrade, which normally uses a digital license instead.^4^

If activation still fails

• If the PC does not appear in the troubleshooter, verify that Windows is signed in with the same Microsoft account that held the license.
• If Windows was preinstalled and no key is available, contact the PC manufacturer for the original OEM licensing information.
• Record the activation error displayed under Settings → System → Activation, then contact Microsoft customer support for license verification if neither the digital-license nor product-key route succeeds.^2^

Do not purchase another license until the existing digital license or product key has been checked.

References

1. How to reactivate windows 11 after BIOS update. - Microsoft Q&A
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change#link-your-windows-11-digital-license-to-your-microsoft-account)
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/activate-windows#reactivating-windows-11-after-a-hardware-change)
4. Find your Windows product key