Windows showing not activated after I tried changing the BIOS settings on my MCI laptop from Legacy to UEFI

I tried changing the BIOS settings on my MCI laptop from Legacy to UEFI to see if I could upgrade from Windows 10 to 11.

After that when I tried to reboot, my laptop kept going back to the BIOS settings, it would not reboot.

I then changed the BIOS setting back to Legacy and it then rebooted into Windows.

Now I get an error code: 0xC004F211 saying that the hardware of my device has changed and Windows is not activated.

I tried the Troubleshoot option, but it says we weren't able to activate Windows on this device.

Please help me to reactivate Windows.

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Replies (1)

Kyo.Y - MSFT

Hi RaymondGoldberg,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand your frustration with activation issues.

However, please allow us to explain that members of the Answers community cannot directly intervene in processes involving private information, such as account and product activation related processes.

The two different error messages you are currently experiencing both indicate potential hardware status related issues.

Changes to the BIOS may have changed the data status of the TPM module integrated into the motherboard/processor, causing the computer to be considered a hardware change.

What is TPM? - Microsoft Support

If possible, you may need to refer to the device manufacturer's product manual to restore the motherboard/computer's data state in some way.

For example, reinsert the hardware.
Remove the old account credentials and log out/re-login the old Microsoft account that was used to log into the system/application.
The credentials associated with the Microsoft account may be prefixed with "MicrosoftAccount:user" or "SSO_POP".
Accessing Credential Manager - Microsoft Support
Change from a local account to a Microsoft account - Microsoft Support
Use specific options/adjust specific physical electronic components (usually perhaps managing CMOS battery behavior) to release static electricity in the motherboard so that the computer can read the appropriate data from the motherboard again.
Boot to UEFI Mode or Legacy BIOS mode | Microsoft Learn

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

If you are not comfortable completing the above steps or are still having issues, you may want to consult a more experienced online support team for further troubleshooting steps that may be relevant.

Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support