[maskull]

Windows 11 has a fun feature where it will potentially deactivate if you update your bios.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/15/23958751/microsoft-windo...

[ToucanLoucan]

This actually happened to me only a week or so ago. Was trying to fix a crashing issue with one of my games.

[zbrozek]

I lost a Windows 11 license because my laptop's motherboard failed and had to get replaced.

[jeroenhd]

Didn't Microsoft tie your machine license to your Microsoft account for this reason?

[auguzanellato]

From my experience with Lenovo if the motherboard got replaced by the manufacturer they should have given you one with a license attached

[justin66]

What did Microsoft tell you when you attempted to reactivate? It used to be they'd just do it if you called them.

[riffic]

why, exactly, are operating systems licensed in this asinine user-hostile way? Is it a monetary thing or something?

[judge2020]

This has never happened to me even after replacing every component of my computer over the years (other than the PSU). I imagine signing in (and setting up the computer) with a microsoft account is what makes it stronger.

[deaddodo]

This only happens if you are using an upgraded Win7/8 key and only on the newest updates of Win10/11.

If you're using a Win 10 upgrade or Win11 fresh key, it's expected you wouldn't encounter it.

[saint_fiasco]

Maybe it doesn't deactivate it you change the components one at a time over a long period, Ship of Theseus style

[cortesoft]

I think it depends on what windows license you have... OEM or one you bought yourself.