Windows 10: BIOS update deactivated my windows key

Discus and support BIOS update deactivated my windows key in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Hello, I just flashed my BIOS and my windows 11 license was deactivated. I have all the same hardware. My purchase receipt did not come with a key.... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Snow Man2, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM.

  1. SNOW MAN2
    Snow Man2 Win User

    BIOS update deactivated my windows key


    Hello, I just flashed my BIOS and my windows 11 license was deactivated. I have all the same hardware. My purchase receipt did not come with a key. Looking for some guidance on how to get my license back. Troubleshoot does not help. I purchased the license in 2023. The product key I have on the device now seems to be one from 2017 that is active on a different device. Thank you

    :)
     
    Snow Man2, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
    #1
  2. BAGZZLASH
    BAGZZlash Win User

    MSI 5870 BIOS Update

    Still can't reproduce. Could you please post the exact BIOSes that produce the issue?
     
    BAGZZlash, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
    #2
  3. AJADCZAK
    ajadczak Win User
    BIOS Update Deactivates Windows 0x803FABBD

    Final Update:

    Support got back to me to see if the issue was resolved (it wasn't) so some more troubleshooting attempts were made. Support tried to enter some keys using the slmgr utilities. Neither key worked.

    So then they went on to taking half a dozen screenshots of my system configuration, proof of purchase, and uploaded these screenshots over their secure file exchange to send off to someone else to approve giving me a new key. After about 15 minutes support gave me a new key that allowed windows to activate (until I need to update my BIOS again).

    Statistics

    • Time to resolve issue from first call to support: 7 days
    • Installations of Windows 11: 3 (two as directed by support, one to fix the mess that support made on my computer)
    • Number of times support stuck around until the end of the Windows install: 0
    • Number of support personnel spoken with: 5
    • Phone calls made / received: 5
    • Time spent on the phone: 3+ hours
    • Number of times assured "This will work": 6+
    Overall I'd give the experience an F.

    The hours wasted getting my legitimate copy of Windows activated far exceeded the cost of purchasing a new Windows 11 Pro license at $200.

    Microsoft clearly needs to figure out Windows activation after a BIOS update. This is a brutal user experience. Here's some examples of other people running into the the same exact issue. Just search for "windows activation after bios update" in Bing!

    Redirecting

    Windows loses activation after bios update, then refuses reactivation as claims license in use

    Reddit - The heart of the internet

    https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?...tivated-after-bios-upgrade-pro-z690-a.374548/

    BIOS update deactivates windows license?

    BIOS update causing Windows activation issues - EVGA Forums

    https://forums.evga.com/Bios-Updates-Windows-Activations-m3582933.aspx

    https://www.****/threads/windows-activation-after-bios-update.754455/
     
    ajadczak, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
    #3
  4. CENTRAL473
    central473 Win User

    BIOS update deactivated my windows key

    bios

    Hi all i am new in this forum, i need meanings step by step of each item listed in the bios Phoenix-Award
     
    central473, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
    #4
Thema:

BIOS update deactivated my windows key

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