Forum Discussion
Theorendil
Jun 26, 2026Copper Contributor
Can't activate Windows 11 with a valid Windows 10 licence
Originally, years ago, I had a genuine Windows 8 license on a custom-built PC. When Microsoft offered the free upgrade to Windows 10 for genuine Windows 7/8 users, I used that offer, and my system up...
Jamony
Jul 06, 2026MCT
Hi Theorendil, after a hardware change, especially a motherboard replacement, Windows often sees the machine as a different device. First make sure the Windows 11 edition you installed matches the old license, for example Home to Home or Pro to Pro. Then go to Settings > System > Activation and run the Activation Troubleshooter. If your old license was linked to your Microsoft account, choose the option that says you changed hardware recently and pick the old device from the list. If it was an OEM license tied to the original motherboard, Microsoft support may need to confirm whether it can be reactivated.