[Solved] Windows 10 Activation Key Not Working

The activation key, also known as the product key, is a 25-character code used to activate the Windows operating system on a particular machine. It checks the legitimacy of the copy of Windows and allows you to fully utilize the operating system. Even though Windows 11 is now available, most users are still satisfied with Windows 10. Windows 10 customers suffer a variety of challenges, one of which is that the Windows 10 activation key does not function.

If you are one of them, there is some good news for you. This post will discuss six solutions for Windows 10 activation key not functioning difficulties.

What is the Windows 11/10 activation key?

A copy of the Windows operating system is activated with a unique 25-character code known as the Windows 11/10 Activation Key. It must be entered throughout the installation or activation procedure as evidence of ownership for the Windows program. When a consumer purchases a copy of Windows 11 or Windows 10, Microsoft sends an activation key.

Once the Activation Key is input, Windows is activated, and the user has access to all of the operating system's features and functions. With the activation key, you may authenticate the software's legality and ensure that it is being used by the licensing agreement.

What are the different sorts of Windows activation keys?

There are two sorts of Windows activation keys: OEM and retail.

OEM Activation Key The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplies the OEM Activation Key, which is pre-installed on the computer during production. These keys are locked to the computer's hardware and cannot be transferred to another system. They are not intended for sale to end users; rather, computer manufacturers frequently use them to install Windows on new PCs.

Activation Key for Retail Retail Activation Keys are available from Microsoft or authorized resellers such as Electronic First and are intended for end users. These keys can be used to activate Windows on PCs with new and upgraded hardware. Retail Activation Keys can be transferred to a separate machine provided that the previous Windows installation has been deactivated.

To summarize, the Windows 11/10 Activation Key is a vital component of the Windows operating system, and activating Windows is required to have access to all of the operating system's features and functionality. If customers have problems with their Activation Key, they can attempt the solutions listed above to resolve the problem.

Simply follow our steps to access all of Windows 10/11's features while also removing the irritating "Activate Windows" watermark off your desktop. If none of these solutions work, customers should contact Microsoft Help for more assistance.

Why Does My Windows 10 Activation Key Not Work?

There might be several reasons why your Windows 10 activation key isn't functioning. It may include:

• Incorrect product key input
• Use of the product key on any other system
• Internet connection problem
• Hardware modifications

Here are some typical reasons why your Windows 10 product key isn't functioning. Many people believe that switching to Windows 11 from Windows 10 eliminates activation. However, this is not true. You will not encounter activation difficulties while upgrading to Windows 11.

What Happens If Windows 10 Does Not Activate?

The good news is that you can use Windows even if it is not enabled. You will be sent regular updates to improve your user experience and security. However, there are drawbacks to running Windows without activation. You will have to deal with certain feature limits. For example, you cannot alter the background, colors, or themes.

Simply, you will be unable to make any customizations. Furthermore, a watermark with the words "Activate Windows - Go to Settings to Activate Windows" will remain on the screen indefinitely, which most users find unpleasant.

Fix Windows 11/10 Activation/Product Key Not Working

Tip 1. Restart Computer

You can restart your computer and try to activate Windows 10/11 again. Restarting the computer can solve many minor issues on your computer.

Tip 2. Check If Windows Is Already Activated

You can click Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Activation to check if Windows is activated on the Activation page. For Windows 11, you can click Start -> Settings -> System -> Activation to access the activation page.

Tip 3. Use a Matched Key for Windows Edition

Make sure the product key or digital license is matched with your Windows edition. You should purchase the corresponding license for your Windows edition. Get a Pro license for Windows 11/10 Pro edition.

Tip 4: Use Genuine Windows 11/10 OS and License

If you do not utilize a legitimate license to activate Windows, you may encounter the Windows 10/11 activation key not functioning issue. It is highly recommended that you purchase an authentic Windows product key or digital license from Microsoft or an authorized vendor and use it to activate your Windows 11 or 10 operating system.

Tip 5: Make Sure You Have A Good Internet Connection

To activate Windows 11/10, you must have an online connection. If you're having internet troubles, try rebooting your router and modem. You may also try alternative techniques to troubleshoot internet connection issues first.

Tip 6: Activate Windows with Command Prompt

If you are unable to activate Windows 11/10 using Settings, you can try activating Windows using CMD. To launch Command Prompt as administrator, press Windows + R, type cmd, and then Ctrl + Shift + Enter. To activate Windows 10/11 using CMD, use the command slmgr /ipk and press Enter. Replace "Windows activation key" with your 25-character product key.

Tip 7: Only use the product key on one PC

If you have already used the product key on one computer, you cannot use it to activate another. The Windows activation key will not function. To utilize your license on a new computer, first remove the product key from the previous machine. Tip 12 explains how to deactivate Windows 10/11 by deleting the product key.

Tip 8: Run Windows Activation Troubleshooter

If your Windows OS is not activated, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to see if it can help you resolve activation difficulties on your machine.

To start the Windows Activation Troubleshooter on Windows 10, go to Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Activation, then select Troubleshoot.

For Windows 11, go to Start -> Settings -> System -> Activation and select Troubleshoot to run the Windows Activation Troubleshooter to see if it may help you with activation difficulties in Windows.

However, if you don't see the Activation Troubleshooter on the Activation page, you may follow this instruction to solve Windows Activation Troubleshooter missing or not working.

Tip 9: Reset Your License Status

Follow the instructions above to launch Command Prompt on your PC. To reset the licensing status, use the command slmgr.vbs -rearm and press Enter. Restart your machine to activate Windows again.

Tip 10: Deactivate Windows and Activate It Again

If the Windows 11/10 product key does not work, use CMD to deactivate Windows and reactivate it. See how to accomplish it below.

To launch Command Prompt as an administrator, click Start, input cmd, and then choose Run as administrator. To obtain your product key, use the command wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey and hit Enter.

Copy and store your Windows product key to a secure location for later use. To remove the product key, type the command slmgr.vbs /upk and press Enter.

Your Windows is currently not active. To reactivate your Windows 11/10 PC, use the command slmgr /ipk and click Enter.