reactivate windows 11 after changing mother board

Sign in with the Microsoft account previously linked to the Windows 11 digital license, then run Settings → System → Activation → Troubleshoot → I changed hardware on this device recently.^1^

Reactivate a digital license

1. Connect the computer to the internet.
2. Sign in to Windows using an administrator account.
3. Open Start → Settings → System → Activation.
4. Confirm that the installed edition—Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro—matches the edition licensed on the old motherboard. A license for one edition cannot activate the other.
5. Select Troubleshoot. This option appears only when Windows is not activated.
6. Select I changed hardware on this device recently, and then select Next.
7. Sign in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to the digital license before the motherboard replacement.
8. Select the previous device from the list, check This is the device I’m using right now, and select Activate.^1^

If the old device does not appear, the account currently being used was not associated with that device’s digital license, or the license might not be transferable.

If Windows used a product key

If Windows 11 was activated with a transferable retail product key:

1. Open Settings → System → Activation.
2. Select Change product key.
3. Enter the 25-character key.
4. Complete the activation prompts.

The installed Windows edition must match the key. Microsoft records product keys in account order history only when they were purchased through the Microsoft online store.^2^

Check whether the license can be transferred

The outcome depends on how Windows was licensed:

• Retail license: Normally use the Activation troubleshooter or original product key to transfer it.
• Windows preinstalled by the PC manufacturer: A user-replaced motherboard may require a new license because the original license was associated with the previous hardware.^3^
• Motherboard replaced by the original manufacturer as a repair: Windows should normally reactivate automatically. If it does not, use any 25-character key supplied on the manufacturer’s Certificate of Authenticity card through Change product key.^2^
• Organization or school license: Contact that organization’s administrator for its product key or activation process.

If there is neither a transferable digital license nor a valid product key, open Settings → System → Activation → Go to Store to purchase a license.^1^

If a valid retail or linked digital license still fails

Do not purchase another license solely because self-service activation failed. Contact Microsoft customer support and ask them to verify the license and activation state. Provide:

• The activation error code shown under Settings → System → Activation
• Proof of purchase or Microsoft Store order record, if available
• Confirmation that the installed edition matches the purchased edition
• The Microsoft account previously linked to the device

Microsoft’s hardware-change guidance directs users to customer support when further reactivation assistance is required.^1^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 11
3. Windows 11