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Just did a hardware upgrade and clean install to Windows 11. Now having issues activating Windows

Nathan 0 Reputation points
2025-12-10T22:09:33.98+00:00

Good afternoon,

I just upgraded my PC with a new motherboard, processor, and RAM and had to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 since by boot drive was formatted in MBR I had to reformat it to GPT. My old hardware was too old to support Windows 11 so I did the hardware upgrade so that I could convert Windows 10 to Windows 11. However, now I am having issues activating Windows 11 because it can't find my product key. I have my original product key but it is from Windows 8.1.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-10T22:09:42.3033333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To activate Windows 11 after a hardware upgrade and clean installation, you can use your original product key from Windows 8.1. However, it's important to note that the product key must match the Windows edition you are trying to activate. If your Windows 8.1 product key corresponds to a version of Windows 11, it should work. If you encounter issues, consider the following steps:

    1. Ensure Internet Connection: Make sure your device is connected to the internet, as activation requires online verification.
    2. Use the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and use the troubleshooter to resolve activation issues.
    3. Manual Activation: If automatic activation fails, you can try entering the product key manually in the Activation settings.
    4. Contact Microsoft Support: If you continue to have problems, contacting Microsoft Support may provide additional assistance.

    If your Windows 8.1 key does not work, you may need to purchase a new product key for Windows 11.

    References:

  2. EmilyS726 186.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-10T22:43:09.3533333+00:00

    Hello

    Windows 8.1 key cannot be used to activate Windows 11. Even if you have already claimed the Windows 10 free upgrade some years ago, this license is still not meant to continue with further upgrade to 11. Sorry.

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