Windows 10: Windows 11 Pro - New PC - couldn't verify the product key

I'm building a new computer, AMD Ryzen 9 7900, 64GB RAM & 1 TB m.2 SSD. I purchased a Windows 11 Pro key from a valid reseller and downloaded from Microsoft the media creation tool to create a bootable USB. This seems to work until the install asks for the activation key; which produces the dreaded "We couldn't verify the product key. Please check your ..."The PC is plugged into the network with has internet access. I don't know if can't verify means it's a bad key or it needs to call home, but can't. The real question is how to proceed to getting the OS installed? without the key there do

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I built a new computer running windows 11 home. Can I transfer my product key from my old windows 10 Pro?

How can I transfer my license to my new PC? I have verified it's a retail copy but I can't activate the product key and the upgrading hardware step doesn't list my new PC.

Do I need Windows 11 Pro or should the 10 Pro key automatically upgrade me?

How do I do this?

 

cant upgrade to windows 11 pro using a product a key

Hi, I am Van. I'll be glad to assist you today.

As a workaround, please follow the steps below to upgrade from the Home edition to the Pro edition.

1. Disconnect the internet connection of your PC.

2. Press Windows key + I, then go to System > Activation.

3. In the right pane, click "Change" beside the Change product key option, then use the generic key below to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.

VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

Once you've upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, connect your internet to the PC, then use your valid Windows 11 Pro product key to activate the system.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance. I will be glad to help.

 

Windows 11 Home to Pro upgrade

Want to upgrade 11 Home to 11 Pro. Tried download, but apparently files transferred were for 11 Enterprise. This will not activate; error is "invalid digital license or product key". This is on a new Surface. How to proceed?

Can withdraw/delete this. The suggestion to downgrade - listed below - with a 'fake' windows 10 key works.