Forum Discussion
Re-activate Windows 11
I recently updated the hardware on my computer and now I cannot activate Windows. Before I did the update, I made sure my MS account was linked to my digital license.
After the hardware update, using the activate option does not work. I've already created a support case a week ago with 0 call back from an agent.
It's looking like nothing short of shelling out $$$ for another key will work.
I must say...the home user support from Microsoft is non-existent. No chat and the phone number directs you to a support page that might as well be on the Darkweb.
I've exhausted my Google-fu skills. Does anyone know of a way to get this resolved?
3 Replies
- I am a tech of 30 years, Guy.
Having the same issue. Recently brought home from an upgrade job TWO activated Intel 11th gen systems, where all I did was remove the SSD and RAM. Next, I replaced these with different brands and then after re-installed Win 11 23H2 from the ISO. And then activation failed.
I think the reason is from MS server changes that corrupted aspects of the system. The former migration of older COA tags being cut off from upgrade this past October has something to do with this blunder.
And now the positive...
Go on OfferUp and search for Windows 10 Pro keys. There are some companies who sell gray market licenses online, and digital only. This is NOT illegal, but it breaks MS policy.
The best I have seen was ProductKeys (DOT) Com, WIn 10 Pro or 11... for $12. If you pay by Paypal you should be fine. Just attach a credit card to PayPal, not a bank account.
PC World was selling these, as well. Mind you, for $25. But when I got the key.. if failed. I had a big email argument with them. Finally, I threatened a chargeback and they gave me back my money.
Sometimes gray keys do not work because they are taken from volume licenses and then abused. Sometimes they keys are just from China, who pay a lot less than we do.
I am now trying to order tags from China on Alibaba, yet another workaround if you need many tags. These are the scratch-offs, which I trust the most. In this case, I am required to order volume. Again, I will pay by PayPal.
In defense of my actions..
Normally, I would NOT mess with gray market software licenses, but MS left some of us who did NO WRONG in the dust... and without recourse. For me, the best revenge is to get a working key for as little money as possible.
Take note that a Win 10 Pro key will also ACTIVATE Win 11 Pro, so it does not matter.
If you have any more questions, just ask. Been building for 30 years. Also, if you get an online digital key, please let me know if it worked and the details of your experience. - Kindly confirm, if your Windows license is OEM.
If it is OEM and you changed motherboard for your system, OEM license may not work as this license is tied to first motherboard it is activated on.
If you're retail license, you can attempt reactivation by inputting the product key manually.- The license is not OEM. The product key is from Window 10 pro. It no longer works since I did the free update to Window 11 pro.
