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After Enabling Secure Boot In My BIOS Windows 11 Saying It Is Now Not Activated

Toby B 0 Reputation points
2025-12-06T09:05:45.48+00:00

I changed my BIOS settings (Secure Boot to On and BIOS Mode to UEFI) after which Windows 11 Home is saying it is no longer activated. I have made zero hardware changes. The activation troubleshooter does not resolve the issue and I have tried re-entering the product key with no success.

The online help just sends me around in a loop between the same pages, and trying to call Microsoft (in the UK on 08000260329) says Activation help has moved online and hangs up on me).

I am not sure what to do next and do not think I should have to pay for a new license because I changed a BIOS setting.

Any help gratefully received. Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
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  1. Alexandr S 101.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-06T09:49:18.1633333+00:00

    Hello, Toby B.

    Open the page https://support.microsoft.com/en-GB/home/contact?SourceApp=smc2&ContactUsExperienceEntryPointAssetId=www.microsoft.com and log in to your Microsoft account on it.

    In the search bar, type (without quotes) "agent support" and press Enter or click on Get Help. Ignore the search results, and click on the "Contact Support" button at the bottom. On the next page, select "Windows" and "Technical Support" from the drop-down lists, and then click on "Confirm". Next, select the chat "Chat with a support agent in your web browser" and on the next page, enter your (the one that works) email address and click on "Confirm". A chat window will open in a new tab. Wait for the operator to respond and describe the situation to him.

  2. Alexandr S 101.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-07T01:58:41.43+00:00

    I dare to assume that your PC has an operating system pre-installed by the PC manufacturer/assembler/seller. Yes, in this case, all OEM support is provided by the PC manufacturer. Therefore, Microsoft support recommended contacting the manufacturer.

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  3. Lucus-V 3,255 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-12-08T07:37:31.86+00:00

    Hi Toby B,
    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

    After enabling Secure Boot, the Secure Boot Keys is not automatically set up yet.

    Please enter your BIOS, navigate to Secure Boot settings and change Secure Boot Mode to Customer / or make change to Key Management.

    BIOS Settings may differ from Mainboard manufactures.

    After Secure Boot Keys is set up, the state of Secure Boot in BIOS and Windows should be enabled.

    I hope that above information is helpful to you.

    If you have further questions, please feel free to let me know.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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