Windows 11 deactivated itself for hardware change. But I did not change any hardware !


link626

Member
Local time
3:08 AM
Posts
27
OS
11
got the 0xC004F211 error suddenly

but I haven't changed any hardware since I installed and built this new pc in november.

I have the same mobo ram, main ssd.


Has anyone else had a deactivation for no reason?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
I've been using this pc for almost 2 months.

this morning I accidentally set a photo as desktop wallpaper.

so i went to right click desktop, Personalize and changed it back to solid color. At this time, there was no "not activated" watermark or error.
Obviously if it wasn't activated, I would not be able to change it back to solid color.

However, a minute later, after I changed the desktop to solid color, suddenly there is the Not Activated watermark on the desktop.

How weird.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11
Where did you get your licence key from?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
I wouldn't expect MS to reach into your system and remove activation, even if your license is somehow bogus (or blacklisted).

Does the Activation Troubleshooter do anything for you?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) Kingston DDR5 5200 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1600 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    1200 Mbps
  • Operating System
    windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8 TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
First of all, I would try to use System Restore to the date when activation still existed. It may require several attempts. If your problem is in sudden Registry error, this may help. Otherwise try to restore OS from a full system backup (if you have one: this is one of many examples why such backups are important). If nothing helps, try to use re-activation via Internet, which most certainly will end in activation by phone. Quite long procedure to manually input the groups of codes on the screen to a phone and input back the activation codes, but it works (I had to do this today after upgrade the SSD, when the number of allowed hardware changes was exceeded). Of course, all this will work if your licence is originated from valid source.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro; Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-12700K (Alder Lake)
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME Z690-M Plus D4
    Memory
    16 GB (2x8 Corsair DDR4-2132)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GeForce 1050 Ti, 4 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 235PQ
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Windows 11: Samsung SSD 870 EVO, 500 GB (SATA), MBR
    Windows 8.1: Samsung SSD 980 PRO, 500 GB (M.2), MBR
    PSU
    Platimax D.F. 1050 W (80 Plus Platinum)
    Internet Speed
    Local link 1 Gbps, provider's line 500 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller (for Windows 8.1 compatibility)
    Microsoft Office H&S 2013 x64
I wouldn't expect MS to reach into your system and remove activation, even if your license is somehow bogus (or blacklisted).

Does the Activation Troubleshooter do anything for you?


it does nothing.

When I set this up, I did not make a microsoft account, only a local account.

A microsoft account probably would have averted this issue.

Since I didn't register a microsoft account, I can't use the hardware change option to fix this deactivation.


Screenshot 2022-01-01 141950.jpg


but as I said before, it let me Personalize my desktop, so it wasn't deactivated this morning initially.

if it detected a hardware change, it should have done so weeks ago.


The odd thing is that if I reinstall Win11 on a fresh partition with all the same hardware, the new install still remains deactivated now.
So microsoft servers are not recognizing my pc anymore.

In the past, I could reinstall windows infinite times, and it would always activate.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11
Where did you get your licence key from?
I'm wondering if the key was deactivated due to overuse ie multiple people using the sane key 🤷‍♂️
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
I'm wondering if the key was deactivated due to overuse ie multiple people using the sane key 🤷‍♂️
No this cannot happen for normal licences. As explained many times, once you have a digital licence, it is never revoked even if key gets blocked..

I am betting the reason is the original licence key was a pirated (albeit unknown by user) volume licence key. These do expire after a period of time and pc will deactivate (volume licence leys do not use digital licences) OP did not answer my question earlier.

OP should run an admin command:

slmgr /dlv

and tell us what it says after colon on line

Product Key Channel:

If it says GVLK, then that is reason for deactivation.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
OP should run an admin command:

sljmgr /dlv
General question and I am not being critical, but more for my own knowledge as well.

Shouldn't this read - "slmgr /dlv"
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Intel S1200 Core i3 10105
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte S1200 MicroATX B560M DS3H DDR4
    Memory
    32.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GT710 2GB PCIe Video Card
    Sound Card
    Realtek® Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Acer 24in
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial P1 M.2 PCIe SSD
    PSU
    500W
    Case
    Thermaltake ATX Versa H21 Case
    Cooling
    Internal fans by (3)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 850
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebyte
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built Test-PC
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS S1150 MicroATX B85M-E
    Memory
    12.0 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Video Card
    Sound Card
    Integrated Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Chimei 22"
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    120GB WD 2.5" Green SATA 6Gb/s SSD
    1TB WD 3.5" 7200rpm SATA 6Gb/s Caviar Blue
    PSU
    400W
    Case
    Cougar MicroATX MG100 Case Black
    Cooling
    Deepcool 120mm Case Fan
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless mouse
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless keyboard
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Only running Win 11 on this PC for test purposes

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
I would set up a Microsoft account, then it is easier to get in touch with them. They can be remarkably generous if you have a problem.

The other thing you might consider is a reinstall of Windows if you can make a backup of your drive first.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    W11 pro beta
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    Athlon 3000G
    Motherboard
    Asrock A320M-HDV r4.0
    Memory
    16Gb Crucial DDR4 2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard cpu
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560-1440
    Hard Drives
    WD black SN750 M2 500Gb
    PSU
    500W Seasonic core 80+gold non modular
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R2
    Cooling
    front 2 x 120mm rear 100mm stock psu
    Internet Speed
    135/20
    Browser
    Firefox and edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Security and free Malwarebytes
  • Operating System
    W11 pro 64 beta (from W10 pro system builder pack)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    MSI B450 tomahawk max II
    Memory
    4 x 8Gb Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000 DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    onboard cpu
    Sound Card
    motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 21.5" IPS
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WD 1Tb Black M2 SN850X on Asus hyper M2 X16 max V2 card
    PSU
    Be Quiet 400 semi modular 80+gold
    Case
    Coolermaster Silencio 650
    Cooling
    140mm front, 120 rear Akasa Vegas Chroma AM
    Internet Speed
    135/20
    Browser
    edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD plus Malwarebytes free
General question and I am not being critical, but more for my own knowledge as well.

Shouldn't this read - "slmgr /dlv"
corrected
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
ran slmgr /upk

made another partition, clean installed windows 10. activated.
made microsoft account. digital license linked to microsoft account.

upgraded to win 11 on new partition. using microsoft online account.

booted to old deactivated win11 partition with local account, and it activated magically.

Not sure what effect using a local account vs microsoft account has, or if microsoft treats both the same.

Code:
------------------ Licensing Data ----------------

ToolVersion             : 10.0.22000.1
LicensingStatus         : SL_LICENSING_STATUS_LICENSED
LicensingStatusReason   : 0x4004F401
LocalGenuineState       : SL_GEN_STATE_IS_GENUINE
LocalGenuineResultP     : 1
LastOnlineGenuineResult : 
GraceTimeMinutes        : 0
TotalGraceDays          : 0
ValidityExpiration      : 
ActivePartialProductKey : 3V66T


let's see if it deactivates itself again in the future.
You guys say it will never revoke my activation? we shall see.

this time i have a MS account for hardware change.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11
ran slmgr /upk

made another partition, clean installed windows 10. activated.
made microsoft account. digital license linked to microsoft account.

upgraded to win 11 on new partition. using microsoft online account.

booted to old deactivated win11 partition with local account, and it activated magically.

Not sure what effect using a local account vs microsoft account has, or if microsoft treats both the same.

Code:
------------------ Licensing Data ----------------

ToolVersion             : 10.0.22000.1
LicensingStatus         : SL_LICENSING_STATUS_LICENSED
LicensingStatusReason   : 0x4004F401
LocalGenuineState       : SL_GEN_STATE_IS_GENUINE
LocalGenuineResultP     : 1
LastOnlineGenuineResult :
GraceTimeMinutes        : 0
TotalGraceDays          : 0
ValidityExpiration      :
ActivePartialProductKey : 3V66T


let's see if it deactivates itself again in the future.
You guys say it will never revoke my activation? we shall see.

this time i have a MS account for hardware change.
I actually wanted to see the Clip event log for audit trail - but anyhow.

Per the EULA
During activation (or reactivation that may be triggered by changes to your device’s components), the software may determine that the installed instance of the software is counterfeit, improperly licensed or includes unauthorized changes. If activation fails, the software will attempt to repair itself by replacing any tampered Microsoft software with genuine Microsoft software. You may also receive reminders to obtain a proper license for the software. Successful activation does not confirm that the software is genuine or properly licensed. You may not bypass or circumvent activation.

I'm not sure how drivers affect the HWID - it may well lead to these random deactivations when checked online - most times it fixes it self with the next iteration of checking. An MSA has no effect on activation - it's just helpful to store and transfer a licence.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Here's what I've got, even though i'm connected to the internet.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Here's what I've got, even though i'm connected to the internet.
We need to see the results of
slmgr /dlv

Run the command in a command prompt with.admin privileges ("Run as administrator")
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!

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