Windows 10: Windows 11 activation key not accepted

I paid for a windows 11 product key a year ago but moved my SSD to a new motherboard today and found the activation key is not accepted. Is there anything I can do short of buying Windows 11 again?

:)

 

activate windows 7 oem key

There is no difference between the OEM disc and the Retail disc with Windows 7. A retail disc will accept a OEM or Retail key, and vise versa.

If the OEM Key wasn't going to work with the disc you have, it would have stopped you during the install when it first asked you for the key, not during activation.

What is likely the problem is that, since the OEM version has already been activated once, it is failing activation again. Activate it over the phone using the option given to you on the failed activation screen, and you shouldn't have a problem activating it.

 

Windows 11 Pro activation key

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Have you tried logging in with the account linked to the digital license on your device? I've provided a few steps you can try including some more you can follow:

1. Link your Microsoft account: Ensure that your Microsoft account is linked to the digital license on your device. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and check if your Microsoft account is listed there. If not, click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" to link your account.
   
2. Run the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Activation, and click the "Troubleshoot" button. This will launch the Activation Troubleshooter, which can help reactivate Windows after a hardware change if your Microsoft account is linked correctly.
   
3. Enter your existing product key: If the Troubleshooter doesn't resolve the issue, try entering your existing Windows 11 Pro product key. Go to Settings > System > Activation, and click "Change product key." Enter the key you used previously to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
   

If you are still having issues after trying these steps, please let me know. I'll be happy to help.

 

Acceptable activation serial key

Enterprise doesn't have to be VL activated and can be activated against Microsoft's own Activation servers. Currently my only option is to activate with my legal MAK keys which get a DL.





And as mentioned can be run as a 90 day trial.