Share via

Changed motherboards. Need Windows 11 activation.

Andrew Adleman 20 Reputation points
2025-12-11T03:00:33.9166667+00:00

Have WIndows 10 subscription. Changed motherboards. Put on Windows 11. Need to get a code to activate Windows 11.

Moved from: Nuance | Nuance Cloud IVR

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Jeronimo Fuerte 26,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-12T02:24:54.9266667+00:00

    Because you did a clean install on new motherboard, Windows can’t “pull” the old activation automatically unless you either have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account or enter a valid 25-character product key.

    There isn’t a separate “Windows 11 code” you need to request, Windows 11 activates with the same type of license (digital license or product key). Go to Settings > System > Activation and try Troubleshoot, then choose “I changed hardware on this device recently” and sign in with the Microsoft account that was used on the old Windows 10 install.

    If you have a Windows 10 product key, you can also try entering it directly in Windows 11: Settings > System > Activation > Change product key (make sure the edition matches, Home key for Home, Pro key for Pro).

    0 comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Andrew Adleman 20 Reputation points
    2025-12-11T03:03:18.1933333+00:00

    I was running 10. After putting in new motherboard, I did a clean install of 11. So it can't the 10 activation code. I do have the code for 10 if needed.

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.