3,912 questions
3,912 questions with Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation tags
1 answer
How to resolve Error code 0xC004C008 (...product key was already used on another device..._
I recently used a 25-digit RETAIL Windows product key on a Dell XPS 13 that was purchased with Ubuntu from Dell. The product key that I used to install Windows was a RETAIL key that I purchased years ago, but hadn't used. I decided to return the…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
asked 2025-12-06T05:19:03.1166667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(163.2, 8%, 25%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chad Brandon
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-06T05:19:18.85+00:00
Q&A Assist
4 answers
Retrieve Product Key / New Windows 11 install
Current desktop is running Windows 11 Pro. Receiving update errors related to Secure Boot and TPM. Going to install new motherboard, cpu, etc. This PC was originall running Win7-Pro, which I have the retail product key/disk. The Win 8, 10, and 11 were…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T20:07:49.5666667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(54.400000000000006, 53%, 15%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EES%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Elias Sablan
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-06T05:10:50.2233333+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(198.4, 2%, 29%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EPO%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Pauli O
14,550
Reputation points
Volunteer Moderator
2 answers
windows 11 activation not working I have a valid product key
windows 11 activation not working I have a valid product key. Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T20:26:39.3366667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(224.00000000000003, 67%, 31%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EMM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
mario medina
0
Reputation points
edited an answer 2025-12-06T02:13:09.6266667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(249.60000000000002, 12%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECN%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Clary-N
5,750
Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
Moderator
2 answers
my scratch off for the windows 11 key is damaged and unsuable
my scratch off for the windows 11 key is damaged and unusable. The scratch off didn't work.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T22:47:01.26+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(48, 34%, 14%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EAP%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
ANDREW PRAVDER
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T23:36:10.6833333+00:00
EmilyS726
184K
Reputation points
Independent Advisor
3 answers
Cant reactivate windows after change of hardware
I have changed some hardware and I cant reactivate my product key. Unable to find where I can contact costumers support. I only get linked to this Q&A.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(73.60000000000001, 13%, 17%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EBB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
1 answer
my scratch off for the windows 11 key is damaged and unsuable
I tried to scratch the activation key off the sticker and it was destroyed. How can i get a new code?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T22:44:08.4066667+00:00
ANDREW PRAVDER
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T22:44:14.98+00:00
Q&A Assist
2 answers
I cannot activate Windows 11 Pro
I have just built my own PC and I bought Windows 11 Pro (I am using this for home not a business). After installing and configuring the OS I cannot personalise Windows as it tells me that it needs to be activated. I entered the 25 digit key as part of…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-01T20:07:35.59+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(96, 97%, 19%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECS%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Colin Stokkereit
0
Reputation points
commented 2025-12-05T22:18:24.2666667+00:00
EmilyS726
184K
Reputation points
Independent Advisor
2 answers
Can't activate Windows after motherboard/cpu change and tried all the online remedies by MS for a 0x004C008 error.
This is the same computer with the same windows 11 install for the last 3 years. Same case, same GPU, same hard drives and peripherals that were on the computer 36 hours ago. I changed the motherboard/CPU and Microsoft says I need to buy a new license.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T20:23:40.0466667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(166.4, 69%, 26%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
MSK
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T20:57:33.6066667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(204.8, 84%, 29%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EAS%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Alexandr S
100.9K
Reputation points
Independent Advisor
3 answers
Cannot Activate Windows 11 Digital License
I purchased a Windows 11 digital license directly from Microsoft. I was using it in a VM on Linux Mint. I want to move that to a new VM, but am unable to, as the license doesn't show in my account and Windows fails to activate no matter what I try. There…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T19:43:54.4066667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(278.4, 93%, 36%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jeff Magill
0
Reputation points
edited an answer 2025-12-05T20:41:05.2066667+00:00
Craig Long
16,510
Reputation points
Volunteer Moderator
3 answers
How to activate my Windows 11 after a motherboard change on same computer not a different one.
Changed motherboard and cpu on computer with the original windows install. Now they are telling me it is a different computer. How do I get them to recognize my original install on same computer?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(92.8, 25%, 18%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
5 answers
Problem getting product key
I was upgrading old hardware so I could go from windows 7 to 11. I bought all the necessary hardware required including a new copy of Windows 11. In trying to reveal product key the tag got damaged. I need a new product key to activate windows 11. …
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(284.8, 88%, 37%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ESC%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
5 answers
One of the answers was accepted by the question author.
My Windows License Key
Hello! I've upgraded my computer, that is, changed motherboard and processor but my windows key doesn't work, which makes sense because the key is used on my previous pc. The question is, how can I register my new set to this key?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T14:24:03.55+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(102.4, 97%, 19%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ģirts Bērziņš
0
Reputation points
commented 2025-12-05T18:28:56.9133333+00:00
Ģirts Bērziņš
0
Reputation points
2 answers
After a processor change Windows demands activation and won't recognise original key.
I recently had to change the processor on my desktop. The motherboard has not changed. Windows now asks for an activation key and does not recognise the original key I got with my Windows CD, it says it's invalid or already in use. Do I have to give more…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T17:42:43.68+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(92.8, 42%, 18%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ERH%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Richard Hobbs
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T18:27:36.7966667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(256, 10%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Igor Leyko
107.6K
Reputation points
Independent Advisor
2 answers
I cant activate my windows and it says Error code :0x8007007B
I tried trouble shooting it didnt work! please help
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-04T16:55:01.8166667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(89.60000000000001, 34%, 18%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EMA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Maxi Atanasov
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T17:08:31.3533333+00:00
Kapil Arya
36,411
Reputation points
Volunteer Moderator
2 answers
Windows11 suddenly deactivated after update – digital license lost
Hello, I have been using an original, digitally licensed Windows installation for about four years with no issues. After the latest Windows update, the system suddenly showed “Activate Windows,” and my activation changed to “Windows is not…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-11-29T20:48:20.63+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(22.400000000000002, 41%, 12%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EPB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Pookie bear
10
Reputation points
commented 2025-12-05T14:50:03.4266667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 17%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ingimundur Björgvinsson
0
Reputation points
2 answers
I changed my motherboard and Windows 11 won’t activate
Hello. I started to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 => activation worked Then I changed motherboard + memories + processor with tpm2 support => activation worked with changed hardware -option Then after some days later above motherboard…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-05T11:53:07.7766667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(179.20000000000002, 91%, 27%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EK%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Kalle -
0
Reputation points
answered 2025-12-05T12:32:35.26+00:00
Alexandr S
100.9K
Reputation points
Independent Advisor
1 answer
My Windows 11 product key has been disclosed to someone else
My Windows 11 product key has been disclosed to someone else. My current Windows 11 activation state is “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.” If someone else knows my Windows 11 product key, can they use that key…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(272, 94%, 36%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
8 answers
One of the answers was accepted by the question author.
"Activate Windows" watermark suddenly appeared on my PC
Hi, Since 2 days ago, the "Activate Windows" watermark appears on my PC, usually an hour or two after turning it on. The license product key was purchased at a retailer, not digitally in the MS store. In the activation system settings, it…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-03T22:31:39.3133333+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(131.20000000000002, 63%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EFW%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Felix Wagner
20
Reputation points
accepted 2025-12-04T22:32:12.48+00:00
Felix Wagner
20
Reputation points
2 answers
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?
The title question is long but sums everything up. All PC parts of my build and Windows 11 Pro retail were bought from Amazon brand new. After completing my build and installing Windows 11 Pro retail version fresh out of the box still sealed, I get an…
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-02T16:48:20.2066667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(118.4, 18%, 21%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EPI%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Paul Iriartborde
0
Reputation points
commented 2025-12-04T22:12:33.5+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(204.8, 96%, 29%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3END%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Neil D
29,975
Reputation points
Volunteer Moderator
2 answers
WINDOWS 11 ACTIVATION
I updated MY hd and motherboard. PC asks me to activate my Windows 11 again. I put in the COA, but it didn't accept it. How do I fix this?
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
3,912 questions
asked 2025-12-04T19:17:12.6366667+00:00
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(12.8, 27%, 11%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Charles Billings
0
Reputation points
commented 2025-12-04T20:31:32.98+00:00
Neil D
29,975
Reputation points
Volunteer Moderator