Forum Discussion
Windows 11 not activating after mainboard replacement, troubleshooter doesn't run, can't get support
- Mar 05, 2026
I have solved the problem, but in a very unsatisfactory way. I had to buy a new license key. And since the Change button was inactive, I had to enter it via slmgr in the command line. It worked, but I had to spend money unnecessarily because I already had a license, and as I explained above, Microsoft couldn't even be contacted for another solution (which still angers me).
Plus, I had a retail license, but now I had to buy an OEM license because it was more affordable. This means that if I have to make another major hardware change, I will have to buy yet another license.
I can't express how much I'm disappointed at Microsoft. I feel extorted, ripped off. I've been forced to pay again for something I already owned. But life is what it is, big corporations are what they are, and I'm just a common man. All I can do is swallow my anger and disappointment and move on.
Same boat. I notice Microsoft has not replied to ANYONE who has had these issues. Two full licenses not activating for me after swapping them between two pcs as I wanted pro on one and home on other the other way around. Neither now work.