Caution: Updating BIOS may cause system shutdowns
Caution: Updating BIOS may cause system shutdowns
I just changed the BIOS on my MSI B760 and turned off Windows 11 (as expected). It took me a long time to get it back online. Microsoft seems really good at this. Keep an eye out, this might happen again. Stay safe.
Yes, generally it shouldn't, but there's variables at play. From my understanding on Windows licensing, the UEFI (so pre-UEFI systems don't share this) stores the key which is therefore bound to the motherboard. Something I've tested by doing motherboard swaps, which requires reactivation, regardless of a successfully activated installation. Another place where its stored is in the installation itself, since you'll see the same key doing motherboard swaps, and pre-UEFI systems will stay activated from where its keyed in the OS. I've tested this when transplanting an activated win10 OS from a BIOS system to a UEFI system which activated itself, and then allowed reinstallation without activation (from a new drive or the old drive), proving that the UEFI stores the license in some way. I've done this with OEM keys and official Windows Store bought Windows 10/11 pro keys. OEM keys are more complex though with the way licensing and activation works though. Something I've steered away from since WIn11 came out. There's also a limitation to reactivation when you've "changed hardware", something I ran into recently, but that might be a Win10/11 home edition problem I just rarely run into since I stick to Pro.
It's an original equipment manufacturer key purchased from Canada Computers, used alongside the components for assembling the computer.
The era of inexpensive OEM keys is coming to an end. While I’m not a Windows licensing specialist, I regularly handle MPSA and VLSC matters on the business side, covering Win Server and 10/11. Licensing rules have shifted recently both for commercial and consumer use. Personally, I purchased an official Windows Store Win11 Pro key last time and moved it across platforms. However, there could be a one or two-restriction issue when reactivating after hardware changes. I’ll find out if replacing my motherboard is necessary, likely only if this mITX challenge recurs and I can’t meet performance needs with cheaper parts.
I used an inexpensive key once before, then reinstalled Windows and it allowed me to reapply it. For a while I kept using a Windows 7 key, but it only functioned at specific stages during setup.
Currently, home users prioritize a larger user base above all else.