How do I reactivate Windows 11 Pro that I bought in June that disappeared last week?

Jessica-outlook 0 Reputation points
2025-11-20T21:55:33.1833333+00:00

In June I bought the Windows 11 Pro upgrade from the store.

Within the last 4 days, My Surface laptop reverted to Windows Home.

I cannot figure out how to reactivate Windows 11 Pro and the Windows Store referred me to Busine$$ Support.

This should not be so difficult to fix. or even to figure out how to fix.

Surface | Other
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-20T21:55:49.31+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To reactivate Windows 11 Pro on your Surface laptop, follow these steps:

    1. Check Activation Status: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. This will show you the current activation status of your Windows.
    2. Sign in with the Correct Account: Ensure that you are signed in with the Microsoft account that was used to purchase the Windows 11 Pro upgrade. If you are not, sign out and sign in with the correct account.
    3. Troubleshoot Activation: If Windows is not activated, you can try the Troubleshoot option in the Activation settings. This may help resolve any issues related to activation.
    4. Re-enter Product Key: If you have the product key for Windows 11 Pro, you can manually enter it in the Activation settings. Click on Change product key and enter your key.
    5. Check Internet Connection: Make sure your device is connected to the internet, as activation requires an online connection.
    6. Contact Support: If you still face issues, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance, especially since the Windows Store referred you to Business Support.

    If your device was previously activated and has reverted to Windows Home, it may require reactivation through the steps above or assistance from support.


    References:

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  2. Jessica-outlook 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-20T21:57:58.4733333+00:00

    While we appreciate the opportunity to give Microsoft $500 or $2000 to show us how to recover the software purchased, we are but a small agricultural non-profit.

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  3. Rez 10,615 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-21T14:29:18.9433333+00:00

    Hello Jessica,

    Thanks for posting here in the forum. I understand the frustration especially when you're not getting the support needed for reactivating your Windows Pro.Your Surface is back on Windows 11 Home because that's the license that came with the device. Whenever Windows is reset or reinstalled, it goes back to that original license. The good thing is, your Pro upgrade is still linked to your Microsoft account, so you don't have to buy it again.

    Here's how to get it back:

    1. Look at your activation status Go to Settings > System > Activation. Check to see if it says Windows is activated with Home.
    2. Log in with the correct Microsoft account Be sure you're logging in using the account you used to upgrade to Pro. If you’re not, sign out and then sign in with the right one.

    Let me know if the steps above work.

    Regards,

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