Windows 10: Windows 11 requires Activation but I can't find product key as it was supplied with a DVD...

Hi,After a Windows update at the start of March Windows is showing as requiring Activation. But, it's been more than a year since Windows was installed and I am unable to locate the Windows product key that came with the DVD. Have tried running the cmd "wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey"No path is found.Running the troubleshoot wizard comes up with:We weren't able to activate Windows on this device.Tried using the backup key in the Registry under Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatformIt came up with We can

:)

 

Windows10 requiring product key


Is your Windows 7 activated? If it is properly activated a Windows 10 upgrade should not ask for a product key.

Have you tried the "Upgrade this PC now" option of the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?
Windows 10

After you get a successful upgrade, and the Windows 10 is activated, then you can do a clean install by booting from a Windows 10 USB or DVD which you can also make with the Media Creation Tool. A clean install will ask for a product key and you click on the tiny text that says Skip the step. Might have to skip the Product Key two or three times. IF the upgraded Windows 10 on the same computer was activated, the clean install of Windows 10 will activate. And remember - you have to stay with either the Home or the Pro version - you can't go from Home to Pro or from Pro to Home.

 

Windows 10 upgrade activation product key requirement no skip

Hi Anil,

To quote Andre's post, can you please try the following steps as well right after you got the product key from the steps that was provided to you above.

• Click Start
• Settings
• Find Update & Security
• On the left pane of the page, click Activation
• In the change the product key section, enter the product key you have
• Click Next to activate.

Let us know how it goes so we can provide you with a better solution.

 

Product Key Reactivation

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Reactivating Windows 11 after retrieving the motherboard key involves using the original product key or digital license associated with your system.

Here are the steps to reactivate Windows 11:

1. Open Settings:
   
   • Click on the Start button and select the gear icon to open "Settings."
     
2. Navigate to Update & Security:
   
   • In the Settings menu, click on "Update & Security."
     
3. Go to Activation:
   
   • In the left sidebar, select "Activation."
     
4. Enter Product Key:
   
   • If you have a product key, click on "Change product key" and enter the key when prompted.
     
5. Use Digital License:
   
   • If your Windows 11 was linked to your Microsoft account, you might see an option to troubleshoot and link your digital license. Click on this option and follow the prompts.
     
6. Restart Your Computer:
   
   • After entering the product key or linking your digital license, restart your computer.
     
7. Verification:
   
   • Go back to the Activation section in Settings to verify that Windows 11 is now activated.