Microsoft is investigating Windows activation issues that appear to be related to the company's recent move to prevent Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys from activating copies of Windows 10 and Windows 11. If the Windows 10/11 you installed was activated using a free upgrade to Windows 7 or 8, it may become invalid if you replace certain hardware components or even upgrade the BIOS version.
A user reported that after replacing the motherboard on one of his test PCs, he could no longer activate Windows 11 using the digital key assigned to his Microsoft account. Therefore, his copy of Windows 11 also experienced activation failure and had to purchase a new Windows 11 key.
Another user also encountered the same issue and claimed to have complained about the issues to the FTC. Daniel Mittelman upgraded some computer components and kept the same Windows installer, only to run into activation issues.
"Automatic activation wasn't working, so I contacted customer support. They told me that because my Windows 10 license was upgraded from Windows 7 and they had discontinued support for Windows 7 product keys, they could no longer provide me with a Windows 10 Pro license after changing hardware," Mittleman said in an email. "They also acknowledged that replacing the hardware was not a violation of the Windows license, so there was no reason for my Windows 10 license to be revoked or changed in any way."
Mittleman isn't alone; others have discovered similar issues when replacing hardware. Microsoft took action last month to close a long-standing Windows activation vulnerability. Previously, people could install Windows 10 or 11 and activate the installation using a Windows 7 or 8 key. Windows 7/8 keys are now completely banned from being used for clean installs of Windows 10/11. BIOS upgrades occasionally trigger Windows reactivation, so more PC manufacturers may encounter this issue over time.
"Microsoft is aware of these customer reports and is investigating," Windows principal product manager Bill Babonas said in a statement. "Customers experiencing technical difficulties should contact customer support."