Windows 10: My product key I was given from Parallels does not work to activate my windows 11 pro

I am using Parallels to use windows 11 on my MacBook pro m1. The product key Parallels gave me to activate my Windows does not work. It says that it is invalid. I contacted Parallels support, and they said that i had to speak to a Microsoft support specialist.

:)

 

Activating Windows 11 on parallels

Hi,

I have installed windows 11 through parallels on MacBook M1. The installation process was automatic, guided by the parallels and eventually I got Windows 11 Home Edition. It is not activated. When I try to activate, it takes to the Microsoft store but there is no option to purchase the windows 11 key. I would like to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro version. Any ideas?

 

Product Key for Parallels Mac

Hello,

I recently got an M1 Macbook Pro and got the free trial of Parallels on it. I'm trying to activate the windows with the product key I got from an old laptop that was never activated (Lenovo Thinkpad T550). When I enter the key it gives me the error message: "The product key you entered doesn't work". Does anyone know what the problem is?

 

Activating Windows 11 on parallels

Hi,

In case someone still is trying to activate Windows 11 Pro in a Parallels 17 for Mac M1's Windows 10 Home default edition. Here is what I did:

1. In your Paralles' Windows 11 Home session, click on the Image File icon (top right corner, besides Network icon) at the Parallels' window.

2. Select the Image file that was used to installed the current version of Windows 11. (This will show you the contents of the ISO used)

3. Copy all the contents (boot, efi, sources, support, bootmgr.efi, setup.exe) into a new folder in Downloads folder (i.e. ...\Downloads\Window11setup)

4. open notepad.exe to create file ei.cfg , add the following lines to this file and save it.

[Channel]

_Default

[VL]

0

5. Save ei.cfg file in folder ...\Downloads\Windows11setup\sources\

6. Save your data if you need it, even thought the setup will ask you if you need to keep personal data.

7. Run the setup.exe from ...\Downloads\Windows11setup\

8. You will presented with a Windows 11 version selection window.

9. Select Windows 11 Pro and follow the steps.

10. Once Windows 11 Pro has been installed, go to activate and add your Pro license key. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FIRST ACTIVATION, TRY IT AGAIN. It did work for me.

Thanks to this site for the ei.cfg file instructions:

How To Select Pro Edition While Installing Windows 10)

Hope the above works for you!