Windows 10: After update now there is a prompt to "Activate Windows".

Windows updated my 5 year old laptop a few days ago and now I have a "Activate Windows" prompt in the right hand corner above the date and time. How to I get rid of it?I have checked in settings and Windows 10 is activated with a digital code. So the problem isn't the software being activated. Quite frankly I am sick and tired of something going wrong every time Microsoft updates Windows. I know the reason: Microsoft wants to push people towards the new Windows 11. Just like they always do. This also apparently isn't the first time this has happened. There are posts as far back as 2016

:)

 

Windows 10 fails to update


Thanks,

The Users list compared to the Profile list you posted earlier tell me there is not an issue with Users (a known issue where there is a profile in the list, but not actual User folder).

The error code suggests corruption in the CBS manifest:
Try these steps one at time until the issue is resolved or you run out of steps.

Is Windows activated?
No? Activate Windows 10

Launch Command Prompt (Admin)
enter the following line
reg query HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate /s
If DisableWindowsUpdateAccess REG_DWORD 0x1

launch regedit
navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
change the value of DisableWindowsUpdateAccess to 0
exit regedit
exit Command Prompt

Launch Windows Update

Try the next suggestion if the issue is not resolved.

Restore health to the component store
DISM - Repair Windows 10 Image
Step 6. To Use DISM /RestoreHealth /Source:wim Command
- OR -
Step 7. To Use DISM /RestoreHealth /Source:esd Command
Check System Files
SFC Command - Run in Windows 10
Read the front material, then
follow >> OPTION THREE <<
To Run SFC /SCANNOW Command in Windows 10

If there are integrity issues reported on screen,
Follow the instructions in >> OPTION FIVE <<
To View Only the "SFC" Scan Results from the CBS.LOG

If there are no integrity errors, Launch Windows Update

Try the next suggestion if the issue is not resolved.

Paste the following line into the address bar of File Explorer
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\TroubleshootingLaunch System and Security > Fix problems with Windows Update
Press Advanced
Select Run as administrator
Press Next

Launch Windows Update

Try the next suggestion if the issue is not resolved.

Automatically reset Windows Update components
Download and run MS Windows Update diagnostic cab (direct download)

Launch Windows Update

Try the next suggestion if the issue is not resolved.

Manually reset Windows Updates via batch file

Windows Update - Reset in Windows 10

Launch Windows Update

 

Subsystem ID mismatch

Run atiwinflash from the DOS prompt in Windows. Follow the steps listed in the HD6950 mod article for DOS flashing.

 

Windows 10 fails to update


When you finish testing the Avast suggestion, make sure that you restart your machine.

Then if the issue persists, please return to the trouble shooting list in post# 89

I think there are three steps that remain; the WU troubleshooter, reset WU components, and manual WU reset.