Can't activate the Windows 11 Pro on my new laptop and it shows the last five product key?

If you're unable to activate Windows 11 Pro on your new laptop and it shows an existing product key, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the Product Key: Ensure that the product key you are using is valid for Windows 11 Pro. If the key is for a different edition, it won't work.
2. Manual Activation: If the automatic activation fails, you can try entering the product key manually. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and then select Change product key to enter your key.
3. Check for Existing Activation: If the laptop previously had Windows activated, it might be tied to the hardware. In this case, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.
4. Firmware Activation Key: Ensure that your device has a firmware-embedded activation key if you are trying to activate Windows Pro automatically. This is often required for devices that come pre-installed with Windows.
5. Subscription Issues: If your device is supposed to be activated through a subscription (like Windows Enterprise E3 or E5), ensure that the subscription is active and properly linked to your device.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

Dear Daniel Setlajile,

The message about an “existing product key” when trying to activate Windows 11 Pro on a new laptop almost usually means that a digital license tied to your Microsoft account is already linked to the old device, and the new laptop is detecting a different (or missing) key. This is very common when moving from one PC to another, especially if the old one was activated with a retail Windows 11/10 Pro key or upgraded from an earlier version.

Here’s the quickest way to fix it:

1. Sign in on the new laptop with the exact same Microsoft account you used on the old computer.
2. Go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot (run it as administrator).
3. Select “I changed hardware on this device recently” > the troubleshooter will list your previous devices > choose the old laptop > click “This is the device I’m using right now” > Activate.

Most cases this instantly transfers the digital license and activates Windows 11 Pro without needing to type any key. If the old device doesn’t appear in the list, just reply with the exact error message from the troubleshooter and I’ll guide you through the manual license transfer or phone activation steps.

Once it’s activated, you should see “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account” – problem solved!

If this resolves it for you, I’d really appreciate it if you could hit “Accept Answer” on the ticket – it helps the community tremendously! 😊

Jason.