Windows 10: Windows 11 won't activate even after buying 2 new product keys.

I bought a used Desktop custom built, bought TWO windows 11 product keys and still nothing. I have the "activate windows watermark in the bottom right corner. It says I don't have a valid digital license or product key, then when i trouble shoot it tells me to connect to the internet which I am and contact the administrator which should be me. Neither of my product keys have been successful. Please help.

:)

 

Windows won't activate a digital license but will with a product key?

Thank you for the insight

That's interesting. So you are suggesting after I make my next clone, I enter a generic product key in windows activation and THEN follow up with purchasing (or transferring) a digital license? Do I understand you correctly? If so, I'll try that on my next build.

It is possible. My only experience seeing it not cleared up in an hour (besides, of course, having the wrong time on my machine or a truly faulty connection) was many years ago. When I contacted Microsoft, they were able to diagnose that my license wasn't valid but couldn't tell me why. If memory serves me correctly, I attempted to move a license from a windows ten machine that initially was an upgrade from windows seven. I discovered (on this forum) that a windows ten license that was upgraded from windows seven license was not eligible to be transferred to a new machine. And I was not able to purchase a digital license. I needed a product key.

I couldn't find reputable dealers that are still selling retail windows 10 licenses (for example, Best Buy only lists the Spanish version of windows home on their website). But since I just learned that a windows 11 license can be used my concern has been allayed.

 

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.
     

 

Need to buy a New product Key!

You don't need to buy another product key for 8.1.

With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not or you have activation problems, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

Follow these steps and do a Phone Activation and hold on for a real person to assist you.


OPTION TWO



To Activate Windows 8.1 by Phone

1. Do step 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 below for what you would like or able to do.

2. Press the Windows

+ R to open the Rusluisn dialog, type
slui.exe 4, press Enter, and go to step 7 below.

3. Open an elevated command prompt, type
slui.exe 4, press Enter, and go to step 7 below.

4. Open the Power Users Tasks menu, click/tap
on System, and go to step 5A below.

5. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap
on the System icon.

A) Click/tap on Activate Windows at the bottom right corner under
Windows activation, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

6. Open PC settings, click/tap on
Activate Windows on the left side.

Etc.

"Get help with activation errors"

Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

Product activation for Windows – online & support telephone numbers - Microsoft Support

_______________________________________________

If phone activation is not available to you or does not let you contact Micosoft, you will have to use this method to

contact MS support

_______________________________________________

This information may interest you if you do wish to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and
display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Cheers.