What do I do when my fresh install of Windows 11 Pro retail on a new PC I built says the product key is not valid for activation for that device?

If you're encountering an error stating that your product key is not valid for activation on your fresh install of Windows 11 Pro, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the Product Key: Ensure that you are entering the product key correctly. Double-check for any typos or errors, especially if you are copying and pasting the key.
2. Compatibility: Make sure that the product key you are using is compatible with the version of Windows you are trying to activate. For example, a retail key should be used with a retail version of Windows.
3. Windows Version: Confirm that you are installing the correct edition of Windows that corresponds to your product key. If you have a Windows 11 Pro key, ensure that you are installing the Pro version and not another edition.
4. Internet Connection: Ensure that your PC is connected to the internet during the activation process, as Windows needs to communicate with Microsoft servers to validate the key.
5. Activation Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows Activation Troubleshooter. You can find this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and selecting Troubleshoot.
6. Contact Microsoft Support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help resolve any issues with the product key.
7. Check for Blocked Keys: Sometimes, product keys can be blocked by Microsoft. If you suspect this might be the case, you may need to obtain a new key.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the activation issue with your Windows 11 Pro installation.

1

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

3

Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

On the that app, click 'Check Edition', then enter your product key into that app.

Please provide a screenshot of that app window and please hide your product key in the screenshot.