Tried all recommendations from Microsoft and other online articles - still can't activate
How to activate Windows 11 after re-install
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Tony M
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Reputation points
Had to re-install windows after a hardware change, but the activation process is not working for me. Even trying to "activate by phone" is not working-displays every country EXCEPT United States. Any recommendations?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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Tony M 0 Reputation points
2025-12-08T15:18:13.8+00:00 Tried all recommendations from Microsoft and other online articles - still can't activate
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Jeronimo Fuerte 26,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-12-08T15:51:54.88+00:00 After a hardware change, Windows 11 may no longer find a matching license, so first make sure you reinstalled the same edition (Home vs Pro) that you originally had and that you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account used before the change. Then go to Start > Settings > System > Activation and check the status; if you see an error, select Troubleshoot to run the Activation troubleshooter and, when offered, choose the option like “I changed hardware on this device recently” to re-link your digital license to the new hardware.
If this fails, please let me know exactly what happens when it does.
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Tony M 0 Reputation points
2025-12-09T02:33:55.45+00:00 I did select Changed Hardware. I don't have a digital key - only a physical key code. The hardware page takes me a list of systems for me, but the only one listed is a very old Win10 machine that I no longer own. Still not able to re-activate the Win11 Pro I purchased.
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Jeronimo Fuerte 26,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-10T15:26:54.5733333+00:00 Is the physical product key you have for Windows 10 or Windows 11? If you try to use that key again, what happens? Are you using the same Microsoft account you used the first time?
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Norah-L 1,650 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2025-12-09T01:14:25.63+00:00 Hello Tony M,
Thank you for reaching out to the Q&A Forum.
From what you wrote, I understand you're struggling with the Windows 11 activation after re-installing and that the "activate by phone" option does not display the United States as a choice.
To begin, please refer to Microsoft’s official guide that addresses this exact issue: Reactivating Windows after a hardware change
If the suggestions from the article doesn't work for you, please clarify further:
1. What edition of Windows 11 are you trying to activate (Home, Pro, etc.)?
To show this:
Press Windows key + R.
Type
winverand press Enter2. Have you installed any major updates since the re-installation?
3. Is your Windows 11 copy a retail version, OEM, or volume license?
To identify this:
Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Run:
slmgr /dli4. Is there any error messages received during the activation attempts?
I look forward to your response!
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