Windows 10: We can't Activate Windows On This Device

I have a Win 10 pro digital license for my PC (and a separate one for my laptop). I have had the same license's for a couple of years. I have reinstalled and reloaded system images too many times that I can remember.
I share a Microsoft account with my laptop (same email address)

Today for the first time since my fresh install of the creative update (which has been working perfectly with the same digital license as I always use) I had to do a system image restore. These messages don't make sense as they seem contradictory in the sense that it is asking me to install Win 10 pro to fix my issue, which is the OS giving me the errors.





So I troubleshoot





If I click on "I changed hardware" (for the hellofit) I only see my laptop and no longer see my PC. However they are both present when logging into my Microsoft Account. This is all new to me.





I would hate to think that from now on, maybe because the Creative update is made of different stuff, that I have to do a fresh install of Win 10 as apposed to the convenience of a Win 10 built in made System Image.

Any thoughts.
I did see that this was a thing last year also with a few people but nothing has helped me so far.

yelp!

#IcantbelievethisishappeningtomeIamsuchaniceguyonewouldthinkIwouldbeimmunetoanyproblemsitsjustnotfai r

:)

 

We can't activate windows on this device - product key already used. Not the case!

Good evening,

I have a product key for Windows 10. I built a new PC. I downloaded Windows 10 and used my genuine, brand new Windows 10 activation code. I went through the process but had to cancel and start again, entered the new Windows 10 code. It's saying that the
code was used before.

The only thing I can think of is that I had to stop the install and start again. However, that's the same PC, the one I have just built. Nothing has changed and I can't see any reason why this activation won't go through.

Code new, never used before. Legal copy.

I've been to the Troubleshooting and it won't let me do anything but buy a new code. There has to be more I can do baring in mind how serious this is.

I have a brand new code and it's saying it's been used. There must be a way I can deal with this immediately to have my PC with a paid for, legal copy of Windows ASAP.

Kind regards,

Oliver

 

"We cannot activate windows on this device"

I can not get my windows to activate. Have set up email and account but will not let me activate.

 

If it helps, your error code 0xC004F034 apparently means...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/...ivation-errors

 

Yeah, thanks Bree. I don't enter a key, never have, always digital (email) it has always been my email address and confirmation by logging into my Microsoft account.

If "for a different version of Windows." means windows "Anniversary Update" as apposed to "Creative Update" then a new piece of chalk and a drawing board would do MS well.

 

It may be that when the Troubleshooter said "We have found a Windows 10 Pro license for this device..." it was referring to a digital license tied to the machine's hardware, not to your Microsoft account. Try entering the Windows 10 Pro generic product key:
VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

No, one key should work for all...

 

Thanks for the try Bree. generic didn't work.
There is a long history with my account and key. Originally it was a Win 8 freebie from Robin (here) and evolved to what it is today, an email account with MS for Win10Pro. I have no idea what happened to the original Win 8 key key Robin gave me.

If I have to and it will save me from kicking the crap out of my PC or buying Microsoft and sacking everyone, I'll just purchase a new key. I have way too much work to do to worry, too much.

I suppose I could do a fresh install and do it the long way using my MS account, but I'd freak out and blow chunks if it happened again in the future.

I am still lost with it asking me to install Win 10 Pro to take advantage of the digital license for a machine already running ... Win 10 pro.

 

Maybe it would be happy with an in-place repair install, at least you would keep your files and apps that way.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

 

That's a thought, thanks Bree. I shall try it in the morning after I get this Monitor removed from my foot.

 

Open a Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) and run:

slmgr /ato

 

Thank you NavyLCDR. Before I seen this message I thought I'd give re-installing the Image again and for some reason this time upon completion there was no longer an issue. I have bookmarked your cmd suggestion for future reference. I appreciate both of you taking the time to help me out.

Cheers

P.S. My apologies for originally posting this thread in the wrong section.

 

Hey @antspants
Long time, no see!
Hope all is well!

 

Gidday young fella
I ran over 365 Monkeys when I was a young idiot, so since my recent heart concerns I decided to get a pinched nerve and a few other issues with my spine. But hey, I'm so good looking nothing can get me down.

*and with that, took one last look over his shoulder and ran for his life, far from the maddening crowd*

Hope you are well Edwin

eeeGad my man, you're a Gold Member Guru, V.I.P
(I'd expect nothing less)

 

*Thumbs

One day at a time, mate! *Smile

 

Time has nothing on me *Smile

Apparently whilst I was out Win 10 decided to deactivate. This is weird as nothing has changed in over 2 years with my PC less recently the Creative Update.





I tried running slmgr /ato to no joy. looks like I will have to try an in-place repair or fresh install.