So I've just upgraded my CPU, motherboard, and RAM in my machine, but still using the same NVMe drives.

However, Windows has kicked me out saying it's not activated because of the new hardware.

When running the Activation Troubleshooter, and selecting the new hardware option, it only brings up the activations on my laptop and not my previous desktop hardware. Therefore, I cannot select the old machine to say it's that machine with new hardware.

Anyone got any ideas on how to resolve?

Also, if need be, when purchasing the reduced priced Windows 11 Pro Retail keys from various onle shops for 5-10% of what Microsoft ask for it, does that get applied to my account in the same way? Or is it going to be unusable if I upgrade/replace hardware or the OS drive in time?

 

Well if you are legit ...

check point "Reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change"

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...e-change-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

(if that´s not working.. was the key assigned to a windows account before?)

to your 2nd question....

activating a new key would go like...

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key

cheers

 

I sent you a personal message

 

It is legit, and already done this and run the Activation Troubleshooter as stated in OP, but my old hardware isn't showing up so I can't select it to upgrade to the new hardware.

But does this them get imprinted into the Microsoft account and stored within my account against the hardware? I've done similar purchase of Microsoft Office previously, and the key is only valid for 1 install, meaning when you reinstall or change hardware etc, it cannot be re-used.

 

That's what I heard about legit Windows OEM licenses, they can't be transferred to different hardware. That's only possible with full retail licenses.

 

This, for example, says it a Windows 11 Pro Retail key: Buy Windows 11 Pro Cd Key Retail Microsoft Global (gamers-outlet.net)

Therefore, what I'm unclear about is whether this falls into that single use camp or the imprinted on my account camp?!

Having installed new hardware, I may need to go through a couple of intalls to get everything stable and working, so I don't wanna be having to buy a new one each time, notwithstanding any future drive upgrades and/or reinstalls etc

 

Use MAS, u can Activate any Windows version for free: https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts

I signed up just to post this- hope it helps.

 

I presume this method doesn't allow for having the device registered in Microsoft account though, and are there any issues/limitations? Also, is it safe to use while also using other accounts on the system, including my main Microsoft account that is linked to other laptops, consoles, and so on?

 

I use this too, for the same problem.

 

No issues or limitations that I know of. I used to be signed into my MS account in Win 11 Pro after using this and it was fine (using local now, by choice), but I'm not going to make any promises. My guess - Worst case they would only silently deactivate you again. I would do it, but do what ur comfy with

 

Hello Bunford, these keys no longer work - Microsoft has changed its activation key system, everything now runs through the "MS - Windows - Store"! I bought Windows there for 145 EUR and was sent a metal USB stick with Windows 11.

There is a card with the product key for Windows 11 123H2. So I put the USB stick in - installation worked straight away. Other users may have different experiences and give other tips to save the 145 EUR.

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2024

I have used such keys myself, but never connected them to a Microsoft account. And they are not legit retail single user licenses but parts of volume licenses sold separately.

 

Since when? I installed Windows 11 Pro about three weeks ago with such a key and had no problems so far.

 

Hello Myfanwy, I'll tell you the story in brief, I've forgotten the stress. Until recently I had Windows 10 and a 25-digit license key that worked. I had to reinstall Windows 10 and entered the key, it didn't accept it. Then I bought another one [Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - License Key - August 2024 - 18.90 EUR], that didn't work either.

I made phone calls and researched online, where I found that Windows had changed the activation tool. So since around + - August 2024. Microsoft is probably trying to force users to use Windows 11. I've been using a PC since 1998 - I've had these operating systems: Win 95, Win XP, Win 7, Win 10.

What should I do? - I then downloaded and installed Windows 11. Then I went to the Microsoft Store, paid for Windows with PayPal and installed it from a USB stick. It's then a "digital license". You don't have to enter any numbers - install it and go online and then it's activated.

There's a long article about activation which, as always from Microsoft, is incomplete, out of date and difficult to understand. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227

Users cannot activate Windows: Microsoft rejects valid Windows keys 11/16/2023
https://www-chip-de.translate.goog/...l=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2024

So, I logged a support request with Microsoft and had a call back from an support agent. Explained the scenario, didn't seem to understand, then chose to just disconnect the call.

I then had a second agent call, went over everything again. Then tried to follow script to get to where I'd already explained to him I'd got to. They then tried to lie to me by saying it's impossible to upgrade from one hardware to another (despite having already followed the script telling me how to do it). I said it wasn't true, and they then told me you can old upgrade hardware when you have both motherboard connected. I told him this isn't true as I've upgraded hardware previously, and in what World is it logical and reasonable fror Microsoft to expect customers to have 2 full setups and PCs just to upgrade license from one computer to another. At this point he then accused me of having illegal license on my old motherboard, before then claiming randomly it was a Windows 10 license and since 2023 they don;t offer free upgrade to WIndows 11, and then told me the only solution was to pay £200 for a new license. When I challenged this, they disconnected the call and hung up.

I already had a Windows 11 Pro license on my old motherboard and just want to upgrade to my new motherboard,. It should be straightforward without having to deal with lies and BS customer service agents from India who dgaf about anything!

Both these support calls are logged on my account and marked as "resolved". Absolutely shocking customer service!

 

^^ there is your answer.

 

Oh man Bunford, you need nerves of steel today, thanks for the live report. The Latin word idiot means "layman", also "bungler", "bungler", "ignorant person".

Here is a guide on how to activate the new one
If you don't want to use the Windows license on the older PC, you can transfer the license from the older PC to save money. After deactivating the product key, users can activate their new device with the same license.
https://www-easeus-de.translate.goo...l=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2024

Yeah, but there's an entire built in process to allow for hardware upgrades, and in essence a transfer of key from one hardware to another. That's why there's this option:



And then it takes you to this, which should allow me to select my old hardware to migrate my license from:



However, the issue is that my previous motherboard/device doesn't show up in this list as it only contains my 3 laptops, and therefore I cannot upgrade the hardware license.

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2024

That sounds like a terrible support for customers who actually paid the full retail price.

I installed Windows 11 Pro on three PCs this year, mine and some friend's, and used keys from gamers outlet for about 5 Euros each time, last install was about three weeks ago and everything works fine. But I installed it on all PCs using a local account only, cause I don't want to register with a Microsoft account, don't know if this makes a difference.

Downloaded the official Windows 11 iso, made a bootable USB stick, installed with the key, went online after installation and got activated. But I never tried to use a key on different hardware.

Are you sure the device you want to upgrade is linked to your Microsoft account and not installed by using a local account only as I did with mine? Obviously, it needs to be linked to be visible in your account and upgradeable.