After a factory reset, your Windows activation may no longer be valid due to several reasons. When you reset your computer, it can sometimes remove the activation key or the necessary files that link your Windows installation to the original activation. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Activate Windows: After the factory reset, try to activate Windows again. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and selecting Activate.
- Use the Command Prompt: If activation fails, you can try using the Command Prompt to reactivate Windows. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command:
slmgr.vbs /atoto attempt activation. - Check Product Key: Ensure that you have the correct product key. If you have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, logging in may automatically reactivate Windows.
- Rebuild Activation Files: If you encounter issues, you may need to rebuild the activation-related files. This can involve running specific scripts or commands in the Command Prompt, depending on your Windows version.
- Contact Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance with activation issues.
These steps should help you restore your Windows activation after a factory reset.