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I'm wondering if, after installing Ubuntu, it would be possible to recover my OEM copy of Windows 11 if something goes wrong with Linux. I am considering installing Ubuntu Jammy Jellyfish on my HP laptop, but want to know if Windows is recoverable if Linux has a problem (which has happened numerous times on my other machine.) I have not gone through the Windows setup process yet. Neither OS is actually installed, and I am currently running Ubuntu off of a live USB. I want to install Ubuntu, but want to make sure that Windows is recoverable if something goes wrong.

  • Microsoft Windows 11 is preinstalled.
  • I have not done the installation process yet. (Setting up a Microsoft account, Choosing a password, etc.)
  • There is no hologram sticker on the device or packaging.
  • I am running Ubuntu GNU/Linux off of a live USB as I write this.
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  • Did your device come with Windows preinstalled? Does it have a Windows logo hologram sticker (typically on the bottom)?
    – Daniel B
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 14:17
  • @Daniel B No hologram sticker, but it's preinstalled. However, I haven't gone through the setup process yet.
    – UxuginLinux
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 14:26
  • Your now closed question at AU has enough comments and even an answer before being closed: askubuntu.com/questions/1411035/…
    – ChanganAuto
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 14:44
  • 1
    @ChanganAuto On Ask Ubuntu, I was told that I should ask on Super User. So, here I am!
    – UxuginLinux
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 14:51
  • Indeed but if you already got an answer I don't see the point of repeating the exact same thing here like you never learned anything new.
    – ChanganAuto
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 14:53

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I'm wondering if, after installing Ubuntu, it would be possible to recover my OEM copy of Windows 11 if something goes wrong with Linux.

Windows 11 automatically detects any OEM licenses Store in the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table of your device.

It’s completely unnecessary to recover the key all supported versions of Windows automatically detect the key when being installed. Windows 10+ also automatically activate using a digital entitlement system.

I am considering installing Ubuntu Jammy Jellyfish on my HP laptop, but want to know if Windows is recoverable if Linux has a problem (which has happened numerous times on my other machine.)

You would need to install the same edition that came with your device but you will absolutely have zero issues reinstalling Windows 11.

There is no hologram sticker on the device or packaging.

If there isn’t a COA sticker, then it’s impossible for it to actually have an OEM Windows installation, Microsoft doesn’t allow OEM manufactures to install Windows without their COA sticker.

Retail Windows licenses are NOT stored in the ACPI table, if the device hasn’t been logged into, then you would need to provide the license key when you reinstalled Windows 11. I am going to guess the sticker does indeed exist, if it was manufactured by one of the major OEMs that exist today, given that Windows 11 retail licenses were not available until this month.

Retail licenses come with a piece of cardboard that has the COA sticker on it. Just to be clear, you don’t have a retail license to Windows 11, the COA sticker exists somewhere on your device likely underneath the battery.

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  • What is an ACPI table?
    – UxuginLinux
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 16:50
  • The ACPI table stores specific programmable information about the device by the manufacture of the device. One of those entries is the Windows key for your device.
    – Ramhound
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 17:11
  • Is the ACPI table stored on the SSD or in the BIOS or what?
    – UxuginLinux
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 17:28
  • @UxuginLinux More-or-less The "BIOS", ie on the motherboard.
    – davidgo
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 20:35
  • @UxuginLinux - It’s neither stored in the BIOS nor the SSD. UEFI can simply access the ACPI table. It’s separate, part of the motherboard, but it’s definitely not stored in the UEFI (modern machines don’t have a BIOS)
    – Ramhound
    Commented May 28, 2022 at 21:12

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