BIOS update deactivates windows license?

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

So today I updated my BIOS and when I booted up windows again my license was deactivated and upon googling I saw this issue on a bunch of places which was weird because this has never happened to me before. So after freaking out a bit I was able to find an option in windows that said “I changed hardware on this device recently” and clicked it and windows reactivated. I’m just wondering if I update my BIOS again in the future can I select this again or am I out of options and have to call the terrible support. Honestly this is stupid a BIOS update should not deactivate your license when did this become a thing?

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

Without knowing what type of computer or motherboard you have, it's hard to answer your questions.
On standard motherboards, updating the BIOS will not affect your Windows activation.

I've updated the BIOS four times on my motherboard and had no activation issues.

/edit
Correction... seven times.

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

It’s an msi z690 ddr4 tomahawk wifi with a 12700k

I’m running windows 11 22h2 release preview I just updated my BIOS and my license was deactivated when I booted back in saying I changed hardware

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
It’s an msi z690 ddr4 tomahawk wifi with a 12700k

I’m running windows 11 22h2 release preview I just updated my BIOS and my license was deactivated when I booted back in saying I changed hardware

Yeah, you should have that issue with an MSI Z690 board, unless you changed the board itself sometime recently.

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

Ghot said:
Yeah, you should have that issue with an MSI Z690 board, unless you changed the board itself sometime recently.

Seems to be an msi z690 win 11 issue

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

I needed to update bios twice on new z690 msi unify x motherboard as still immature platform. Will need to in future as well. Both times the bios update inactivated windows 11 because of "hardware change"....there was no hardware change just updated bios. The second time, it wont allow me to...

www.windows11forums.com

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
Seems to be an msi z690 win 11 issue

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

I needed to update bios twice on new z690 msi unify x motherboard as still immature platform. Will need to in future as well. Both times the bios update inactivated windows 11 because of "hardware change"....there was no hardware change just updated bios. The second time, it wont allow me to...

www.windows11forums.com

I mean... it could be you've stumbled on a new issue with MSI and with Windows.
If so, you'll just need to wait till they work it out.

In dealing with MS, I've chatted with both advisors and advocates.
For something like this... you should probably talk to an advocate.

I would take the stance that... "I can't use Windows properly, with it deactivated".
You maight even have to go through an escalation or two. ^^

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

Ghot said:
I mean... it could be you've stumbled on a new issue with MSI and with Windows.
If so, you'll just need to wait till they work it out.

In dealing with MS, I've chatted with both advisors and advocates.
For something like this... you should probably talk to an advocate.

I would take the stance that... "I can't use Windows properly, with it deactivated".

I don’t think it’s a new issue others have had this issue on z690 and win 11 upon searching now im scared to update my BIOS again since I’ve reactivated once damn

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
I don’t think it’s a new issue others have had this issue on z690 and win 11 upon searching now im scared to update my BIOS again since I’ve reactivated once damn

Which of these is your exact motherboard?

Choose A Motherboard - PCPartPicker

Choose A Motherboard

pcpartpicker.com

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

Ghot said:
Which of these is your exact motherboard?

Choose A Motherboard - PCPartPicker

Choose A Motherboard

pcpartpicker.com

This one

MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4

Powered by Intel 12th Gen Core processors, the MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 is hardened with performance essential specifications to outlast enemies. Tuned for better performance by Core boost, Memory Boost, Premium Thermal Solution, M.2 Shield Frozr,

www.msi.com

I think it just happens on z690 in general not a specific one

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
This one

MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4

Powered by Intel 12th Gen Core processors, the MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 is hardened with performance essential specifications to outlast enemies. Tuned for better performance by Core boost, Memory Boost, Premium Thermal Solution, M.2 Shield Frozr,

www.msi.com

I think it just happens on z690 in general not a specific one

Which BIOS are you on right now?

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

Latest one

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
Latest one

IF you're activated now... then I would suggest you stop updating the BIOS until MS and MSI, get this worked out.
You don't have to update every time there's a new BIOS. In fact, it's not really a good idea.
The rule of thumb for BIOS flashing is... don't do it until you have to.

Now for chipset drivers.... I would do them every time they release a new version.
But for the BIOS... just skip them unless you "need' to update.

My board has had 24 BIOS updates... I did seven of them, and I have OCD.

Also... take the time to fill out your specs on ElevenForum and TenForums, if you are over there also.
It makes it a lot easier for us to help you when we can see your specs.

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

Ghot said:
IF you're activated now... then I would suggest you stop updating the BIOS until MS and MSI, get this worked out.
You don't have to update every time there's a new BIOS. In fact, it's not really a good idea.
The rule of thumb for BIOS flashing is... don't do it until you have to.

Now for chipset drivers.... I would do them every time they release a new version.
But for the BIOS... just skip them unless you "need' to update.

My board has had 24 BIOS updates... I did seven of them, and I have OCD.

Also... take the time to fill out your specs on ElevenForum and TenForums, if you are over there also.
It makes it a lot easier for us to help you when we can see your specs.

Ok sounds good I will do that thanks.

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
Ok sounds good I will do that thanks.

Keep an eye on this sub forum for your chipset driver...

Latest Intel Management Engine Driver

WHQL Intel Management Engine Driver Download Link See also: Intel Converged Security and Management Engine (Intel CSME) Detection Tool WHQL version: 2413.5.67.0 Release Date: April 09, 2024 Download: Intel Management Engine Driver Release Notes Intel Management Engine Drivers for Windows...

www.elevenforum.com

Ghot · Sep 5, 2022

Most motherboards these days, have the BIOS chips soldered to the motherboard.
Because they are soldered in... flashing the BIOS is dangerous.
For example... a power failure when flashing, could trash your BIOS which would render your board inoperable.

This is why, unlike drivers, we try to only flash the BIOS when necessary.

One of these days, we'll all have computers that look like this.
And when they need updated we'll just tell them to go update themselves.

bobkn · Sep 5, 2022

I have an Asus RoG Strix Z690-E.

I have updated the BIOS at least twice, the last time about two weeks ago.

I never lost activation.

So, at least one Z690 board doesn't lose activation when its firmware is updated.

spartanz1080 · Sep 5, 2022

bobkn said:
I have an Asus RoG Strix Z690-E.

I have updated the BIOS at least twice, the last time about two weeks ago.

I never lost activation.

So, at least one Z690 board doesn't lose activation when its firmware is updated.

It’s specific to MSI boards

x BlueRobot · Sep 5, 2022

This seems like a bug where the SLIC table and/or MSDM table is being cleared upon an update of the BIOS. There isn't anything you can do like the others have said until it has been patched by the motherboard manufacturer.

Bree · Sep 5, 2022

x BlueRobot said:
This seems like a bug where the SLIC table and/or MSDM table is being cleared upon an update of the BIOS.....

There is an alternative explanation, that the bios update has changed or wiped the hardware ID or serial number of the motherboard. Change the motherboard and it will look like a new machine, a significant enough hardware change to cause deactivation.

To check if your digital license is valid to activate Windows on this PC, Windows will send the unique hardware ID of the PC to Microsoft's activation servers, which then return the details of any digital license linked to it. The PC's ID is calculated from a number of things, including the CPU and crucially the motherboard (but not the hard drive, so you can swap that as often as you like).

x BlueRobot said:
There isn't anything you can do like the others have said until it has been patched by the motherboard manufacturer.

Whichever explanation is correct, that advice applies equally to both.

imanlien2020 · Sep 5, 2022

spartanz1080 said:
So today I updated my BIOS and when I booted up windows again my license was deactivated and upon googling I saw this issue on a bunch of places which was weird because this has never happened to me before. So after freaking out a bit I was able to find an option in windows that said “I changed hardware on this device recently” and clicked it and windows reactivated. I’m just wondering if I update my BIOS again in the future can I select this again or am I out of options and have to call the terrible support. Honestly this is stupid a BIOS update should not deactivate your license when did this become a thing?

my question is..which ive seen alot of people do is they only update the bios upon a fresh install. Then activate. But my question is, what makes one update the bios and when should you? Ive had my brand new PC for about a year now and had a current bios update the day i installed windows, but why would i want to MAYBE mess things up by doing so after that, I mean unless the PC is say 5 to 10 years old maybe.