Windows is not activated They are locked until Windows 10 is activated. A guide for how to activate Windows 11/10 is also provided. May 3, 2020 · Once Windows 10 is installed but Windows 11/10 is not activated , the user can no longer change the personalization options. Nov 23, 2017 · Hi, I have a problem. The system says "Windows 11 Enterprise subscription is active", but the… Windows is very persistent and often requests you to activate your windows if it has not been activated. Jul 30, 2024 · Having trouble activating your Windows 11 PC with an activation key? Here's a list of some solutions that can help you fix the problem. I installed an un-activated windows 10 on my friends newly built computer and there’s no watermark. May 30, 2024 · Ensure your Windows 11 is genuine with our step-by-step guide. As Windows continues to evolve—pivoting toward subscription models like Microsoft 365 and Oct 21, 2025 · Want to find out if the version of Microsoft Windows on your PC is legit? Whether you installed Windows yourself or bought a computer with the operating system preinstalled, it's easy to view your activation status on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista. Learn how to restore it via Optional Features and retrieve your product key without third-party tools. 1 licensed to windows 10 now (18-12-2024) but after upgradation to window 10 my windows is not activated tried manually Oct 26, 2024 · If you did not receive a key and uses a digital license, it is bound to your Microsoft account. Sep 25, 2024 · This post explains all the disadvantages of not activating Windows 11/11 on your computer. The reset option says that it would reinstall windows but if i have unactivated windows would they Jun 27, 2022 · In this article, we’ll show how to make sure your Windows copy is activated on the computer and check the Windows activation status from all computers in your Active Directory… Apr 22, 2024 · Troubleshoot Windows is not ActivatedNormally, Azure Windows VMs automatically activates via the Azure KMS (Key Management Services). Jan 11, 2024 · On Windows 11, you can check the activation status in three ways through the Settings app, Command Prompt (or PowerShell), and the Run command, and in this guide, I will teach you how. Oct 23, 2021 · I installed windows 10 without the product key (via USB) and my device meets the required specifications of windows 11. I don't believe any features are turned off. Apr 20, 2022 · To activate Windows 10/11, you can either use a product key or a digital license. Set Desktop Background Wallpaper without Activation Option 1: Using the right-click menu or Ribbon command Open the folder containing wallpaper images. Jul 4, 2025 · The activation key, also known as the product key, is a 25-character code to activate Windows operating system in a particular computer. Open Troubleshoot settings You must be signed in as an administrator to Nov 15, 2025 · Windows 10 product key not working in Windows 11? Here’s why it happens and the quick fixes you can try to successfully activate your system. . 1 hour ago, my windows suddenly not activated. If I upgrade to windows 11 now, will I be able to use it unactivated or will it prompt me to activate first? May 30, 2025 · I am testing out the WSUS upgrade 'Windows 11, version 25H2 x64 2025-05B' after the previous version not working at all (xxx 04B) and this one does actually upgrade the PCs which are on 23H2. Nov 3, 2025 · System Change (including upgrade & downgrade) After new version of Windows launched, there is a short-term Windows Upgrade plan. Mar 12, 2024 · Hello, If Windows Server 2019 is not activated, it will continue to function normally for a grace period of 180 days. Sep 28, 2025 · Do you use a Windows 11 or Windows 10 desktop PC, laptop, or tablet? Do you want to know whether your Windows is activated and genuine? Do you need to know whether activated copies of Windows are also genuine? If the answer is yes, read this article. Jun 30, 2025 · In summary, if your Windows 11 is activated but still asks for activation, check your internet connection and make sure your license is valid. Jun 10, 2025 · Learn how to check whether your copy of Windows 11 is activated or not, as well as how to change your product key when reinstalling or upgrading Windows. This article will help you troubleshoot and fix common activation errors in Windows. Nov 13, 2025 · WMIC was removed from Windows 11. Jun 17, 2021 · If you just downloaded Windows 11 and aren't able to change the theme, here's how you do it without activating Windows 11. 1, and Windows 7 If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. Activate Windows now ” message everywhere. Jun 27, 2024 · Under "Settings -> System -> Activation" it just says "subscription not active". MS activation told me the key was invalid. Checking Activation in the Settings app on the devices, I noted that they were all trying to activate via KMS and using the Windows 10/11 default enterprise key ending in 2YT43. Nov 7, 2024 · Is your Windows activation key not working? Learn the common causes and practical solutions to fix activation issues on Windows 10/11 quickly. This guide provides three simple, step-by-step methods to give you a definitive answer in seconds on how to check if Windows is activated. Dec 22, 2023 · I have purchased a new HP255 G9. The stock wallpapers are located Aug 13, 2020 · KMS is one of the legal methods to activate Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Nov 21, 2023 · When encountering the Windows activation error, you must want to know how to fix it easily. Does this… 2 days ago · To activate your Windows 11 Pro after upgrading, you can follow these steps: Check if Windows Pro is activated: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Feb 26, 2025 · Or you can try to activate the system by phone. To check your key from the command line, run: YAML Jun 4, 2020 · Windows is not activated (trial period) Discussion in ' Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop ' started by Charlie Brown, Jun 4, 2020. Activation is not a requirement for joining a domain or participating as a member server in an Active Directory environment. Reset the Activation Using Command Prompt Sometimes, you can use Command Prompt to force a reactivation: Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Feb 25, 2025 · Open Settings → System → Activation. I hope this clarifies the issue for you. I cannot get my Windows 11 Enterprise activated. what should i do? Jun 29, 2023 · Hello, Yes, you can add a Windows Server 2019 machine that is not activated to an activated Windows Server 2019 domain controller PC. Now system is not activated a May 9, 2025 · Wonder if you're using genuine Windows 10? 4 ways to check if your Windows 10 is activated or not and if it is activated permanently or temporarily. Power off. Check Installation Media: Ensure that the installation media you are using is for Windows 11 Pro. I only know the problem when multiple work or school accounts are logged in and one of these accounts does not have a license, but this is not the case. however, it is very troublesome to redownload windows again. This wikiHow article will teach you five simple ways to check if your copy of Microsoft Windows is activated and licensed. We’ll clear up common myths and walk you through trusted, secure activation methods—without putting your data or system at risk. You might also be able to convince Microsoft activation support to let you re-activate if it really is mostly the same computer. May 22, 2024 · Hi, As in the title, Windows 11 will not activate with the digital license after a fresh install to a new partition. It is important to activate Windows Server 2019 to ensure that it continues to Jun 25, 2025 · Resolve Windows 11 activation issues caused by hardware changes or non-genuine license errors using troubleshooting steps and license management. Upgrade the RAM to 16GB and change wifi to Intel AX210. Dec 25, 2024 · Discover several fixes for Windows 11 activation error if you have problems with your Windows 11 activation key. Oct 4, 2023 · If you recently reinstalled your Windows 10 OS, but you can't activate it, here are 6 solutions to help you fix the problem. " If your copy isn't activated, you'll see a message that states accordingly. If you're unable to activate Windows 11, the Activation troubleshooter could help. Jul 2, 2024 · What happens when the trial ends and Microsoft Office is not activated? Can you use an unlicensed Office copy forever? How long can you use it? This post has all the answers. 5 days ago · If you upgraded from Windows 11 Home to Pro using the key, it should have been activated correctly. Jan 19, 2024 · If you have activated Windows 11/10 before, Windows 11/10 will be activated automatically when you reinstall or upgrade Windows 11/10. Jul 20, 2025 · This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to reactivate your Windows 11 and get back to enjoying a fully functional system. Additionally, explanations for what happens when Windows is not activated and why your Microsoft product key is not working will be offered. You should see a window that says in red: 'Windows is not activated'. All of a sudden after years of having this key which was from windows 8 pro then migrated to windows 10 for free, I got a notification saying my key is Windows 10 home version and that I need to install it. Is there any way to change the license to Windows 11 Pro? I tried changing the license, and it worked, but now I am running Windows 10 Enterprise, and I am getting an error: … May 22, 2025 · If your Windows 11/10 will not activate after a Reset, Clean Install, Windows Update ro BIOS Update, then the solutions provided in this article will help you to fix this issue. I always run Windows 10 on Virtual PCs for testing and write tips and FAQs about Windows, like in this tip! Whereby Windows 10 is not activated on all, because it is only for testing. In this case, you can buy a Windows 11 license from Microsoft and use it to activate your PC. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Sep 26, 2024 · If you are an avid Windows user, you might remember the old days of using Windows XP and Vista, when Microsoft used to give a 30-day grace period to get the feel of the OS without any activation. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. Now I can't change my freaking sound output because without it being activated I can't "personalize" my computer. If Windows 10 is not activated, you won’t be able to personalize your PC, and some settings may not work correctly. When you join a Windows Server machine to a domain, it establishes a trust relationship with the domain controller and allows the server . Steps to Resolve Activation Issues Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your Windows 11 activation problem after a reset, clean install, or update. ” shows at the top. Mar 28, 2024 · Hello. Jul 21, 2025 · Unfortunately, Windows 7 keys are no longer accepted for Windows 11 activation, even if they worked for Windows 10 so you’ll need to purchase a new Windows 11 license. May 1, 2025 · Windows Activation Troubleshooter will help you troubleshoot & fix activation issues on your Windows 11/10 Access it via Settings & run it. Jun 4, 2025 · In this article, our Microsoft-certified IT experts break down the real reasons behind the " Windows Not Activated " watermark. If you have any WIndows 7,8 or 10 licenses you can use those to activate Windows 10/11 upgrade, even a Clean Install which is a much better install. If it says that Windows is not activated, you may need to enter a product key. Dec 18, 2024 · Hi,I have updated my windows 8. This issue can come unexpectedly and leave you unsure of what actions to take next. Fortunately, verifying your PC’s activation status is straightforward. , Pro vs. Open Troubleshoot settings You must be signed in as an administrator to 6 days ago · Learn how to activate Windows 11 after changing hardware with quick, simple steps to restore your system’s activation. Since we are using subscription activation to activate the device, KMS is… Jun 29, 2022 · To change the Windows 11 wallpaper without activation, use File Explorer, Photos, Paint, Group Policy, or Registry. Here's how you can check your activation status. Please make sure that the current account is the one that activated Windows in the first place (if not, create a new user using that account, and switch to it), and select "Troubleshoot". The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on Nov 16, 2025 · How to tell if your Windows is activated with a digital license, view status, use commands, and reinstall without a key. Although Windows 11 has arrived, most people are still comfortable with their current Windows 10. OK. Got computer to boot to Windows 10, then did the free upgrade to Windows 11. If you need an easy data recovery tool, disk partition manager, system backup and restore app, etc. If you see a message that Windows is not activated, these warn May 23, 2025 · My Windows was activated before, but after I had my PC built, it is now showing as not activated. Jun 27, 2022 · In this article, we’ll show how to make sure your Windows copy is activated on the computer and check the Windows activation status from all computers in your Active Directory… Apr 22, 2024 · Troubleshoot Windows is not ActivatedNormally, Azure Windows VMs automatically activates via the Azure KMS (Key Management Services). Select any of the following topics to see some typical reasons for activation difficulty, along with possible ways to get going again. Surprisingly Windows 10 started showing “ Windows is not activated. Sep 14, 2022 · Working with a customer recently, the devices were failing to activate properly. Started the OS, activate it and register to my Microsoft account. But I’ve checked and it’s definitely not activated. I just reinstalled windows and its doing the same thing. For help finding your product key, see Find your Windows product key. Here's the reference: End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8. Here, your activation status is specified next to "Activation State. Restart your computer and run the activation troubleshooter. Mar 20, 2025 · To run the Windows Activation troubleshooter you can refer to: Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter - Microsoft Support Option 2: Assuming you have a pre-installed version of Windows, the key will be bound to your motherboard and will be activated automatically after the first boot and reinstallation of the system. Jun 21, 2025 · What are the limitations or disadvantages of using unactivated Windows 11/10? Here is a list of all the problems you may face. Nov 15, 2025 · If your Windows 10 product key refuses to activate Windows 11, the symptom can look simple — a rejected 25‑character code, an activation error, or an “Windows is not activated” message — but the root causes are layered and often related to license type, edition mismatch, hardware identity, or the activation process itself. Windows 10 users face many issues, and the Jun 24, 2023 · Windows 10 uses activation to verify you have a genuine copy of Windows 10 that's not being used on other devices. Therefore, you may wonder if there are any significant drawbacks to not activating your windows operating system. In the new window that opens up, go to System -> Activation. In this post, I’ll summarize some common Windows activation errors and provide useful solutions to fixing them. windows saying its not activated when i just changed to a new motherboard Solved Archived post. Activation ensures that the software is obtained from and licensed by Microsoft. Activation of Windows is necessary so that Microsoft can ensure you have obtained Windows legally. " If your Windows 11 copy is activated, this message will say "Active. I bought new laptops that had Windows 11 Home OEM installed. When you get a message that says Windows can't be activated, there are several possible reasons why. Aug 9, 2021 · You're now on Windows 11's activation screen. Jun 26, 2025 · Windows Is Not Activated, But Subscription Is Active: A Deep Dive for IT Professionals In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the distinction between subscription-based services and product activation can be a source of confusion for IT professionals, developers, and system administrators alike. Follow the instructions, and see whether you can activate Windows. Saw the notification that Win11 wasn't activated, so entered my Win10 product key. What Happens If You Don’t Activate Windows 10? Jan 23, 2025 · No limitations at all IF Office itself is activated? No limitations even if Office is NOT activated? Office can't be installed if Windows is NOT activated? Office can't be activated if Window is NOT activated? I don't care about watermarks and other minor annoyances since the unactivated state would be temporary and would not affect my first Apr 24, 2024 · By default, when either Windows 10 or 11 is not activated, you are not allowed to make any personalization to it. If you open the Personalization tab in the Settings app, you will notice that some options have been grayed out, and an intimation stating the following: You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC. Virtual Machine Usage: Running Windows 11 in a virtual machine may not activate if the virtual platform doesn’t replicate a genuine hardware environment. Jan 18, 2025 · 9 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Suddenly Not Activated Issue Experiencing sudden activation issues in Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially when you have been using the operating system without any problems. Jun 4, 2020 · Windows is not activated (trial period) Discussion in ' Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop ' started by Charlie Brown, Jun 4, 2020. For instance, Windows 10 upgrades to Windows 11. The license appears to still activate on a backup restored to an alternate partition (same digital license; same Microsoft account; same… Oct 4, 2023 · If your windows server is not activated, you can try resetting windows activation timer or you can use KMC Client key to activate your Windows server. Obviously, Windows won't generate a new product key for you. After being upgraded they lose their activation status and… Aug 12, 2024 · Ensure your Windows 10 is activated by accessing Settings, navigating to Update & Security, and selecting Activation. Jan 23, 2025 · No limitations at all IF Office itself is activated? No limitations even if Office is NOT activated? Office can't be installed if Windows is NOT activated? Office can't be activated if Window is NOT activated? I don't care about watermarks and other minor annoyances since the unactivated state would be temporary and would not affect my first Apr 24, 2024 · By default, when either Windows 10 or 11 is not activated, you are not allowed to make any personalization to it. So is there any real drawback of running Windows Server without a license? As an experiment I have a server running a few services up for like 6 months so far without any issues minus the "activate windows" on the bottom right. ” When I go to Settings > System… 5 days ago · If you upgraded from Windows 11 Home to Pro using the key, it should have been activated correctly. Do you want to know what happens if you don’t activate Windows 10/11? This is everything you need to know about using Windows 10/11 for free. Here's how. Select Start > Settings > System > Activation. Reply reply MAX_DOUBT • May 12, 2019 · In a Windows 10 device which hasn’t been activated, the controls in Personalize window are locked down, and the message “You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC. Sometimes that works in Windows 10 at least (perhaps it checks if some of the components are the same). This guide explains digital entitlement and Windows 10 activation without a product key installation and setup. Dec 5, 2024 · Has anybody else been experiencing issues with your Windows License Key? After I updated to the latest version (Windows 11 - 24H2) I've now been prompted with 'Windows Isn't Activated' and none of the troubleshooting has worked. If Windows 11/10 digital license is not working to activate your Windows computer, you can check the 10 tips below to see if it can help fix the problem. Aug 18, 2025 · How to get windows activated when i already had it but i upgraded to pro and now it says not activated? Jul 26, 2022 · Here's what to do: Press Windows + X, and select Settings. A young Bill Gates once complained about the copying of his company's Altair Basic software by computer hobbyists. To check your key from the command line, run: YAML Mar 7, 2024 · When you upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro using a generic key, you are essentially purchasing a new license for Windows 11 Pro, which is required to activate Windows 11 Business with your M365 Business Premium account. Home). I called Microsoft support and we tried some troubleshooting, signing into local account, then Microsoft account, clicking "I recently changed hardware on this device" and then selecting my Apr 8, 2023 · If you see This copy of Windows is not genuine message on your Windows 11/10/8/7 black desktop, this post suggests ways on how to remove & fix it. 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. Jun 3, 2025 · If your Windows license is not activated, you lose some important features, including updates and personalization but you can still use it. 6 days ago · Learn how to activate Windows 11 after changing hardware with quick, simple steps to restore your system’s activation. Nov 8, 2018 · I have clean installed Windows 10 Pro many times (to fresh install Windows 10 new feature updates) in my machine using the same product key and never faced any activation issues. Then reinstalled the system to Windows 11 23H2 using Microsoft media creator (with complete disk erase). The PC is an Azure AD hybrid joint and has a Windows 11 Pro license. Jun 19, 2025 · I upgraded from windows 10 to 11 pro with a activation key, and now it is saying it isn't activated and telling me to buy another key, which i do not have the money for. Click Troubleshoot, and wait for Windows to do its thing. Go to Settings to activate Windows. Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Make sure you're connected to your organization's network and… Jul 26, 2021 · Here are the facts! Windows Updates actually download updates and install them even when Windows 10 isn't activated for a period of time or purpose. If 'Windows has not been activated' happened, please contact Microsoft for further solution. This rampant theft, according to Gates Oct 17, 2024 · Is the Windows activation key not working? Is it happening on Windows 10 or 11? This article has the most working solutions for you. Jun 27, 2021 · The Activation troubleshooter helps fix several Windows activation errors caused by significant hardware changes, issues with the Windows digital license or reinstalled Windows. Cause of problem: We can't activate Windows on this device as we can't connect to your organization's activation server. Here's a simple workaround on Windows 10 Pro and Home. Are you wondering, “ is your windows activated windows “? An unactivated version can lock you out of personalization features and critical security updates. After the grace period expires, the server will enter into a reduced functionality mode, which means that some features will be disabled, and the server will only be able to perform basic functions. Jul 26, 2022 · Here's what to do: Press Windows + X, and select Settings. Verify with a few simple clicks! Jul 3, 2022 · Is Windows 11 not activated after upgrade? This article will help you fix the issue with the Windows 11 upgrade you have been facing. You will receive notifications to activate Windows, and some apps and features may be disabled until you activate Windows. Windows 10 users face many issues, and the Aug 9, 2021 · You're now on Windows 11's activation screen. Verify authenticity via settings, system properties, and the activation status. you can find them from MiniTool Software. Minus the thing about Microsoft audit people is there any thing wrong with running it that way for a test/dev environment? The BIOS update went fine (thankfully!), but now Windows is saying it's not activated, even though it's been activated perfectly fine for the past month. Learn here. Stay secure and compliant! What Happens If Windows Is Not Activated?. Sep 6, 2022 · Hello, I have Microsoft 365 E5 subscription assigned with "WIndows 10/11 Enterprise (original)". Dec 22, 2024 · If Windows is not activated, you should see an option that says Troubleshoot. This version includes improvements to activation and troubleshooting activation errors. Dec 31, 2020 · I have an unactivated windows and i ran into some problems with my hardware and i figured it will be easier if i just reset my com. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > System > and then select Troubleshoot . Jan 31, 2025 · Installed new motherboard and RAM. If you upgraded from Windows 10, ensure you're using the correct edition (e. Until then, it is not possible to change the desktop wallpaper using personalization. Nov 9, 2024 · Windows displays the ‘This copy of Windows is not genuine’ message if your Windows is not activated properly. To activate Windows 10, you will need a product key or a digital license. g. Nov 15, 2025 · Windows 10 product key not working in Windows 11? Here’s why it happens and the quick fixes you can try to successfully activate your system. Dec 15, 2022 · Yes, you can use Windows 10 and 11 without activating, it just will not be able to be personalized with desktop backgrounds, colors and other items under Personalization settings. It verifies the authenticity of the copy of the Window and allows you to use the operating system to the fullest. Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot . wtf is going on ? Edit: The issue might be resolved for many by using the Troubleshoot option under Update & Security > Settings > Activation. Check the Activation state: If it says Windows is not activated, click Change product key and enter a valid one. Aug 29, 2025 · Learn how to activate Windows 10 without a product key on Dell Personal Computers. Oct 4, 2023 · If Windows 10 lost activation and needs to be reactivated, you do it manually or by running the activation troubleshooter. Try just activating with the same license key again from the activation page. Jul 25, 2025 · Activation Status: Not activated Problem Description: After upgrading to Windows 11 Pro, I noticed a watermark at the bottom-right corner of my screen saying: “Activate Windows. If anyone has dealt with… Sep 10, 2021 · Are you having a problem getting Windows 10 to activate with your product key? Here's a look at some ways to fix the issues and get it activated. We’ll explore common causes, effective troubleshooting techniques, and when it’s time to call in the experts. Having many requests to change the flair to Jan 17, 2017 · Hi, I just upgraded my Motherboard and CPU and now I can't activate the Windows, I have tried the following steps: Sign in as an administrator. However, if you are now seeing that the key is for Windows 11 Home, it could indicate that the key is not being recognized properly. What Happens If Windows Is Not Activated?. Jul 17, 2025 · One copy of Windows installed on multiple PCs: If one copy of Windows is installed on more than one PC, activation might not work because the product key has already been used on more PCs than allowed. Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account. If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free and your device isn’t activated, make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10. But if you’re unsure whether your machine has been activated, you can use the following 3 ways to check the Windows 11/10 activation status. Customers purchase the Windows (retails edition) Jun 15, 2022 · What are the consequences of not purchasing a copy of Windows? Learn what happens if you decide to use a non-activated version of Windows. Click on Troubleshoot, and Windows will attempt to fix any activation issues automatically. oxmr uhb vujirkl efuvee fgvkvth huhasn lrhhu mejylls zmrbi yypeu wlhdd ijsqn eupbjq zmgarxc gwvxkl