If Windows was preinstalled on the device and you have made a change such as replacing the motherboard, you'll need a new license. If you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows won’t be able to find a matching license the next time you start your device. Windows reported that the hardware of your device has changed.Ī Windows license is associated with your device hardware. For more info about how to keep Windows up to date, see Windows Update: FAQ.įor more info about how activation works in Windows 11 or Windows 10, see Activate Windows.įor more info about how to activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 including how to activate either by phone, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. This version includes improvements to activation and troubleshooting activation errors. If you upgraded to Windows 11 for free and your device isn’t activated, make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 11.

The following are some of the most common activation errors with possible solutions for Windows 11. If you're getting an error code that isn't listed on this page, contact customer support. For more info, see Using the Activation troubleshooter. You must be an administrator to use this option. If you're running Windows 11, the Activation troubleshooter might help reactivate Windows if you recently made a significant hardware change (such as replacing the motherboard) or reinstalled Windows. Not running Windows 11 yet? See Activate Windows or Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If the error code has changed, look up the new code below and follow the recommended steps. (If you're getting an error code that isn't listed on this page, contact customer support.) Sometimes when you run the Activation troubleshooter or try to activate, the error code and message will change.

If you're still getting an error, check the list of error codes below and follow the suggested steps to resolve it. For more info, see Try the Activation troubleshooter below. Use the Activation troubleshooter to resolve simple errors. Not running Windows 11? Learn how to update your device at update Windows. You'll see the version and build of Windows. In the search box on the taskbar, type winver, and then select Winver from the list of results. If you're having trouble activating Windows 11, follow these steps to fix activation errors:Ĭonfirm that your device is up to date and running Windows 11. See Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 for info about activation of earlier versions of Windows.

See Reactivating Windows after a hardware change for more info about reactivating Windows 11 after making a significant change to your device's hardware. See Activate Windows for general info about activation, including how to choose your activation method.

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