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Changed hardware activation troubleshooter goes in a circle

Conrad Dickey 0 Reputation points
2025-10-25T23:17:35.9633333+00:00

I changed the motherboard and processor while on W10. I subsequently had to change the primary drive because updates to W11 were unsuccessful due to a lack of space. I was unable to do that myself, so I had Micro Center switch everything to a new larger drive and do the W11 update. Now the activation troubleshooter keeps going in circles telling me the activation key is being used on a different device and will not let me activate W11. I suspect they wiped what was on the original primary drive.

How can I get W11 activated?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Other
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  1. Ivan B 78,210 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-26T00:37:34.4733333+00:00

    Hi ,

    If you have an FPP license, if it's 25 digits, you can remove the current key and add your existing digital key to activate after a hardware change.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reactivando-o-windows-ap%C3%B3s-uma-altera%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-hardware-2c0e962a-f04c-145b-6ead-fb3fc72b6665

    If you purchased your PC assembled from a manufacturer and it was already activated, it may be an OEM license. If you replaced the motherboard, the OEM license is tied to the hardware and is non-transferable. If it's not the same model as your previous one, it's considered a new PC, meaning you'll need to purchase a new license.

    Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

    Thanks

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