How to Activate Windows 11 After Changing Hardware 

If you’ve been upgrading your hardware or swapping out faulty components, you might be surprised to see that Windows 11 requires activation on rebooting your machine. But haven’t you done that already?

No fear. In this article, we’ll be showing you how to activate Windows after hardware change.

Why the Need for Reactivation?

Windows 11 will prompt you for reactivation after a major hardware change. The motherboard is the main component that’ll cause this, but sometimes a replaced CPU or hard drive can trigger the request as well. Why? Because Windows 11’s unique ID is tied to the motherboard in the case of an OEM license, and can only be used once in the case of a retail replacement one.

To ensure you’re still the owner of the PC and not abusing things, Windows will request activation again.

How to Activate Windows After Hardware Change

Attempting to reactivate Windows after changing hardware is a straightforward procedure, but you need to ensure a few things before proceeding:

• You are the owner of your PC and components.
• You have your 25-character activation key handy, just in case.
• Your version of Windows is legitimate.
• You are signed into your Microsoft account.
• You should know the license type (OEM, Retail) and edition (Pro, Home) of your copy of Windows 11.
• You have Admin privileges on the machine.
• There’s a stable internet connection.

Once all these are checked. You’re ready to get started.

Activate via Settings

Perhaps the easiest way to get the job done is via the Settings in Windows 11. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and choose “System” from the sidebar.

Step 2. Navigate to “Activation”

Step 3. Check the Activation status. If not active, you enter the product key manually by clicking “Change” next to “Change product key.”

On this screen, you can also check the edition of Windows 11 installed on your device. You’ll need to do this before changing your hardware components, as it won’t display afterwards. Keep in mind that if it varies from that of your license key, Windows won’t accept it.

Reactivate via Troubleshooter

The Windows Activation Troubleshooter is designed for problems like this and can easily walk you through the reactivation process. Once you’ve signed into your account and have Admin privileges, do the following:

Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and head to “System,” then “Activation.”

Step 2. In “Activation state,” click the “Troubleshoot” button.

Step 3. After a brief scan, you should receive a message that Windows couldn’t be activated. Click “I recently changed hardware on this device.”

Step 4. You’ll be connected using your Microsoft account. Check the device that you are currently using and click “Activate.”

Step 5. Restart your machine, and all should be resolved.

If This Fails

If you’re still having trouble with activation, then you’ll need to take some extra steps. A lost product key may require you to buy a new license from the Microsoft Store, but your best bet is to first contact Microsoft directly through customer support. You can also click the “Get Help” option in the Activation screen for more assistance.