Windows 10: Windows 11 Pro activation after warranty replacement

I purchased a Surface Laptop 7 which shipped with Windows 11 Home. I upgraded to Windows 11 Pro via the Microsoft Store. I subsequently had a hardware failure, and Microsoft replaced the laptop. It now will not re-activate Windows 11 Pro. I attempted to follow the steps posted by others in the community to apply a generic product key, but it is still not recognizing my entitlement to 11 Pro from the Microsoft Store, and it is showing the Activation State is "Not active"

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Free upgrade from Windows 11 Home to 11 Pro using 10 Pro retail license

My current computer has an activated Windows 10 Pro retail license. I'm planning to replace my current computer by buying a new computer that comes preinstalled with Windows 11 Home, and then I understand I can use my 10 Pro license to upgrade to 11 Pro for free.

What's the most straightforward way of accomplishing this? The obvious approach that comes to mind involves two steps:

1. Reinstall Windows 10 Pro on new computer and activate with my existing retail license.
   
2. Upgrade new computer to 11 Pro for free through the settings.
   

Is there a simpler way of doing this without having to reinstall Windows 10? For example, would it be possible to somehow "trade in" my Windows 10 Pro license for 11 Pro? I'm fairly new to Windows licensing and am just trying to understand what is possible/best practice, with minimal effort.

 

Windows 10 Pro N For Workstations Activation after the hardware replacement warranty

Hi, I'm Robinson, and I’m happy to help you today.

I know how frustrating this may be for you but I'll do my very best to help you.

Error code 0xc004f213 indicates that no product key was found on your computer. You can use the activation troubleshooter and select the option " I changed hardware on this device recently".

1-Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot . The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on your device.

2-Select "I changed hardware on this device recently", then select Next.

3-Enter your connected Microsoft account and password, then select Sign in. The troubleshooter will only work with the connected Microsoft account.

4-From the list of devices that are linked to your Microsoft account, select the check box next to This is the device I’m using right now.

5-Select Activate.

If the troubleshooter fails to activate Windows, you can use this procedure to add a generic key and then your Windows should activate automatically using the license associated with your Microsoft account.

Step 1: Disconnect your computer from the internet by disconnection the ethernet cable or turning off the wifi.

Step 2: Run these commands.

1-Right-click on the Start then click on Windows Powershell(admin)

2-Run these commands:

SLMGR.VBS /CPKY and press

SLMGR.VBS /CKMS and press enter

Net stop Sppsvc and press enter

CD C:\Windows\System32\SPP\Store\2.0 and press enter

Ren Tokens.dat Tokens.old and press enter

SLMGR.VBS /RILC end press enter

changepk.exe /ProductKey XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX and press enter

3-Reboot your PC

Note: Replace the XXXXX with one of these generic keys depending on which license you have.

Windows 10 Pro N - 2B87N-8KFHP-DKV6R-Y2C8J-PKCKT

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations - DXG7C-N36C4-C4HTG-X4T3X-2YV77

Windows 10 Pro N for Workstations - WYPNQ-8C467-V2W6J-TX4WX-WT2RQ

Step 3: Reconnect your PC to the internet, and check if the Windows is activated, if it is not run the activation troubleshooter again.