Windows 10/11 product key not working: 8 ways to fix it

Product keys help activate Windows and ensure it is a genuine copy and not registered on more devices than allowed. But some users have reported instances of Windows product keys not working.

It turns out that Windows 10 or 11 does not accept a 25-character product key.

This does not necessarily indicate that the key you have is no longer valid, as the error message indicates. There are many reasons why you can't activate your copy of Windows 11.

The trick here is to determine what is causing your computer problems. We've dedicated this tutorial to simplifying the troubleshooting process and activating your copy of Windows 11.

Through it, the operating system will be activated when you are finished.

Why isn't my Microsoft product key working?

One of the most common reasons why Microsoft doesn't accept your product key is that the key you entered is already in use on the largest allowed device.

In this case, you must purchase a new copy of Windows 11 or a product key.

In addition to this, some users have also fallen victim to fake or incorrect keys. There are many websites that claim to provide genuine product keys for free or at a discounted price.

However, these are not reliable and it is recommended that you purchase from official channels. Additionally, the Microsoft server that handles activation may be down at the moment.

This is why you are always asked to wait a few hours or even days before doing some advanced troubleshooting or getting a new key.

Additionally, there are several activation error codes that may reveal the root cause.

We have listed them below, if you see any of them, just head to the linked tutorial to fix them if Windows 11 is not activated.

• Windows 11 Activation Error 0xc004c003: One of the most common activation errors and relatively simple to fix
• Activation Error 0xc004f213 in Windows 11: Usually due to an Internet connection error or key Incorrect
• 0x87e10bc6 Windows 11 Activation Error: Encountered when a firewall blocks the connection
• Windows 11 Activation Error 0xc004f050: This issue is encountered when the Windows Update component is corrupted
• Activation error 0x87e107f9 in Windows 11: Caused when the server is down or the key entered is for a different version

What should I do if my Windows 10/11 product key doesn't work?

Now that you have a basic understanding of the process and are aware of common activation errors, let’s take a look at the most effective solutions when Windows 10/11 doesn’t accept product keys.

1. If the Windows product key does not work, please check the license status

1. Press Windows I to launch Settings application and click Activate to the right of the System tab.
2. Now, check if the Activation status is Active. If this is the case, Windows is already activated.

The first thing you must check is whether Windows 10/11 is activated.

In many cases, users go around activating a registered operating system version, which is why Windows doesn't accept product keys.

If Windows is not activated and you are still encountering the error, continue with the methods listed below.

2. Make sure you have entered the correct product key to fix this error

Often, users enter the wrong product key by mistake.

Microsoft has automated this process so that if you upgrade from Windows 10, you don’t need to enter the key manually.

But if you are installing Windows 10/11 for the first time, please make sure all characters are entered correctly. People often confuse 8 and B, so check out questions like this.

Also, please check that you have the correct version activated. For example, you can't use a Windows 11 Home product key with Windows 11 Pro.

3. If your Windows product key doesn't work, check your Internet connection

You need a stable Internet connection to activate Windows 10/11. For many users, this is why Windows doesn't accept product keys.

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So make sure your Internet connection is working and you are not being slowed down. Also, monitor it using a network speed monitor and once the speed is stable, proceed with activation.

4. Run the Windows Activation Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows I to launch the Settings application, then click Activate on the right.
2. Find and click the Troubleshooting option here.
3. Wait for the troubleshooter to run and choose the appropriate response when prompted to complete the process.

The built-in troubleshooter is very helpful when Windows 10/11 product key doesn’t work. It will automatically identify and eliminate the problem immediately.

Remember, you can only run the troubleshooter while logged in with an administrator account. Additionally, if the troubleshooter is missing, chances are Windows has been activated.

5. Reset Windows 11 License to Fix Windows Activation Key Not Working

1. Press Windows S to launch "Search" ” menu, enter “Terminal” in the text field, right-click the relevant search result, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
3. Now, click on the down arrow and select Command Prompt to open it in a new tab. Alternatively, you can click Ctrl . Shift2
4. Next, paste the following command and hit Enter to reset the license status: <strong> slmgr.vbs –rearm</strong>

Once completed, restart your computer and Windows 10/11 should accept the product key.

Although highly unlikely, if this method doesn't work, you can do a clean installation of Windows 11 and then activate it, as the last installation may not have completed correctly.

6. How to use SFC scan to fix Windows product key not working

1. Press Windows R to start the run command, in the text Enter cmdCtr into the field, hold down the l Shift key, and click OK or hit Enter to launch the elevated command Prompt .
2. Click Yes on the UAC prompt that appears.
3. Now, paste the following command and hit EnterRun SFC Scan: <strong>sfc /scannow</strong>

If the Windows 10 product key is not working, running an SFC (System File Checker) scan can resolve the issue as one of the root causes here is the presence of corrupted system files .

There is no easier way to repair corrupted files than SFC scanning.

7. How to Fix Windows Product Key Not Working in Command Prompt

Another way to fix Windows 10 Product Key Not Working error is to perform it manually through Command Prompt activation.

Sometimes, if there is a problem with Windows not accepting the product key, simply changing the activation method can solve the problem. Many users are able to register their copies using CMD.

1. Press the Windows key to open the search bar.

2. Enter Command Prompt in the search bar, and click from the options on the right to run as administrator.

3. Click Yes in the pop-up UAC prompt.

4. Now, paste the following command and make sure to replace the X here with your actual product key: <strong>slmgr.vbs - ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx</strong>-<strong>xxxxx</strong>

5. Press Enter to execute the command. This will activate Windows 10 using the product key you just entered.

8. Run SLUI 4 command to fix Windows product key not working

1. Press Windows R to launch the run dialog box, type SLUI 4,then press Enter.
2. Select your country from the drop-down menu and click Next.
3. Now, just call one of the listed numbers and follow the instructions provided by Microsoft Support.

If no other option exists, you always have the option of contacting your local Microsoft support.

Be sure to have the installation ID listed here with you to help the support team better assist you and to get Windows 10 to accept the product key.

Is Windows 11 a free upgrade?

Yes, Windows 11 is free, but for those who are running the latest version of Windows 10 and whose computer must meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

If this is the case, you should receive updates for it and can easily upgrade. However, if Windows 11 doesn't show up in Windows Update, there are other ways to upgrade to the latest version.

Microsoft’s latest version is an incredible operating system that’s easy to use and best of all, it’s a free upgrade.

Also, you now know what to do if Windows 11 doesn’t accept the product key and you can fix the problem.

Also, learn how to upgrade to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.

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