Windows 10: 'Activate Windows' Watermark on Windows 10

I keep getting the 'Activate Windows' watermark on my laptop, despite having Windows 10 installed. It came preinstalled with my device. When going into Settings > Update & Security > Activation, I get the error code: 0xC00F074. I've also noted that both the Product ID and Product Key are completely different from what appears on my system. I've used the Command Prompt to find my Product Key which as mentioned is different for some reason and clicked on 'Change product key', typed in the Product Key, only to receive another error code: 0x80070422. It also says "The last product key you entered can't be used on this copy of Windows." However the product key in this message is not the one I entered my system, nor is it the one found in Settings. I've tried troubleshooting, searching online for others who've had similar issues and tried all avenues to try and solve this problem. I'm confused as to why I have two different Product IDs and three different Product Keys, or specifically two with an error saying I've typed in a third unknown one. I'm also unable to install updates to fix this issue as every time I search for updates it continues to show that it's searching for updates for a while.

:)

 

Activate Windows Watermark

Hi Duncan,

The Windows activation watermark is usually appearing if the activation servers detect that a device is not activated. For further help with activating your copy of Windows 10, visit this
link. If the same issue persists after performing the troubleshooting suggestions on the link, follow these steps:

• Using Cortana, type Notepad and then click on Notepad (Desktop app).
• Type the following commands in Notepad:
  • @echo off
    
    taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
    
    explorer.exe
    
    exit
    
    
• 
  Save the file and name it as Activation.bat.
  
• 
  Change the Save as type to All files.
  
• 
  Locate the file, right-click on it and then choose Run as Administrator.
  
• 
  After running the file, restart your computer and then check if the same issue persists.
  

Let us know if further assistance is needed.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Windows 10 Activation (Insider)

How long did you wait for activation?
When I re-installed with a fresh install... it took a few hours to sync and activate.
However, it did, finally, activate.