Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter (2024)

Windows 11Windows 10

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

If you're unable to activate Windows 11, the Activation troubleshooter could help. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > System> Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
Open Troubleshoot settings

You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option. If you're not already an administrator, for more info, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows. The Troubleshoot option is available only if your copy of Windows 11isn't activated. Once you activate, the option disappears.

The following are some problems that the troubleshooter might fix. If you receive an error code and none of the steps below help, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

For more info about activation, see Activate Windows. For help with your product key, see Find your Windows product key. If the troubleshooter is unable to fix your issue,contact support.

Note:Windows activation requires an internet connection.For more info, see Get online.

Troubleshoot common activation issues

To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > System> Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
Open Troubleshoot settings

To activate using your digital license, you'll need to upgrade to Windows 11Pro:

Save your work and close any open apps.
In the troubleshooter, select Upgrade to Windows 11Pro.
See Also
How to find and retrieve your Windows 10 product key How to configure DNS dynamic updates in Windows Server - Windows Server How can I query DNS records with the nslookup command?How to check your DNS settings
Select Start upgrade. The upgrade might take a while and you won't be able to use your device until it's done.

To activate using your digital license, you'll need to install Windows 11Home:

Go to the media creation toolpage.
Read the instructions on how to use the tool to create installation media for Windows 11Home and how todo a clean installation.
Duringsetup for Windows 11Home, you'll be asked to enter a product key. Because you already have a digital license for Windows 11Home, you can skip this step and continue with the installation. Windows will automatically activate using your digital license when the installation is completed.

To activate Windows using your digital license, in the troubleshooter, select Activate Windows, and then selectActivate.

A Windows 11digital license is associated with your device. If you make significant changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device. For help resolving this issue,see Reactivating Windowsafter a hardware change.

If you've received an error code and nothing here helped, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contact customer support.

Troubleshoot common activation issues

To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
Open Troubleshoot settings

To activate using your digital license, you'll need to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro:

Save your work and close any open apps.
In the troubleshooter, select Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
Select Start upgrade. The upgrade might take a while and you won't be able to use your device until it's done.

To activate using your digital license, you'll need to install Windows 10 Home:

Go to the media creation toolpage.
Read the instructions on how to use the tool to create installation media for Windows 10 Home and how todo a clean installation.
Duringsetup for Windows 10 Home, you'll be asked to enter a product key. Because you already have a digital license for Windows 10 Home, you can skip this step and continue with the installation. Windows will automatically activate using your digital license when the installation is completed.

To activate Windows using your digital license, in the troubleshooter, select Activate Windows, and then selectActivate.

A Windows 10 digital license is associated with your device. If you make significant changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device. For help resolving this issue,see Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change.

If you've received an error code and nothing here helped, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contact customer support.

FAQs

How do I use the activation troubleshooter in Windows 10? ›

Run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation and then select Troubleshoot.

Read On ›

How to run activation troubleshooter Windows 11? ›

If you're unable to activate Windows 11, the Activation troubleshooter could help. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > System > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .

Discover More Details ›

How do I use Windows troubleshooter? ›

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, or select the Find troubleshooters shortcut at the end of this topic, and then select Additional troubleshooters. Select the type of troubleshooting you want to do, then select Run the troubleshooter.

How can I check Windows activation? ›

Checking your Windows activation status

To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security and then select Activation . Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.

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How to fix Microsoft activation failed? ›

Here are some steps that you can take to resolve the issue: - Check Your Subscription: Ensure your subscription is active. - Sign in with the Correct Account: Ensure you're signed in with the account you used to buy Office. - Update Your Office Apps: Ensure that Microsoft Word, Excel, or any other app is up-to-date.

Find Out More ›

How do I turn off Windows activation error? ›

Click the gear-shaped icon in the left-hand side of the Start window. Click Update & security. This circular arrow-shaped icon is at the bottom of the Settings window. Click Activation.

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Can I run Windows 11 without activation? ›

Microsoft allows the installation of Windows 11 without immediate activation primarily for convenience and accessibility. This approach enables users to install and test the operating system before purchasing a license.

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What can t you do with unactivated Windows 11? ›

Some of the personalization features in Windows Settings are greyed out if you don't activate Windows. You cannot change the Windows desktop wallpapers, windows colors and themes, customize Start menu/taskbar/lock screen/title bar/fonts, etc. Still, you cannot use Windows Dark Mode.

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How do I force troubleshoot Windows 11? ›

From Settings

Select Update & Security > Recovery . Under Advanced startup, select Restart now. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Why can't I run troubleshooter Windows 10? ›

Windows troubleshooters can stop working because required services are disabled or not running. Enabling and starting services like Cryptographic Services, Windows Update, BITS, and Windows Installer is a potential resolution for fixing troubleshooters users confirm to work.

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How to find Windows 11 product key? ›

Viewing the Windows 11 product key

Enter "cmd" in the search box on the taskbar and open Command Prompt.
Enter the command wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter. The text displayed in the format of "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" is the product key.

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What is Windows activation code? ›

A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows.

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How to check Windows activation status using PowerShell? ›

Navigate to Computer > Scan Profiles > New > Name your new Scan Profile "Windows Activation Status".

Select Add > Powershell.
Name the Powershell Scanner "Windows Activation Status" > Select the "Script" radio bubble.
Copy the script below into the text box, and select OK.

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May 7, 2024

Get More Info Here ›

What is the correct path to the Windows 10 activation troubleshooter quizlet? ›

Using the Activation troubleshooter. Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and then select Troubleshoot. Operating system program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices.

How to activate Windows 10 permanently for free? ›

Activate Windows 10 for Free Using the Activation Setup

Press Windows + I to open the Settings on your device.
Navigate to the Update & Security section.
Select Activation and click the "Change Product Key" menu to add a new product key.
Now, enter the product key.

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Mar 15, 2024